tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35738476500323793602019-03-17T01:23:56.037-07:00 Green Caviar Travel BlogTo take nothing but photographs, and leave nothing but footprints.Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-90628418121680270842019-02-22T15:39:00.001-08:002019-02-22T15:39:13.888-08:00Chichen Itza<br />The last two times I was in the Yucatan Peninsula, I visited some Mayan ruins but not Chichen Itza - one of the new seven wonders of the world.&nbsp; Last month, I had the opportunity of visiting Chichen Itza while in Cozumel. So I looked into joining a tour to Chichen Itza from Cozumel, but the only tour available was a flight tour that cost almost $500.00.&nbsp; It was not affordable for me so I left the tour desk disappointed.&nbsp; But as I walked into an elevator, I overheard someone talked excitedly about his impending tour to Chichen Itza. So, I asked if he was going on a flight tour.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>He said, “No, I’m going by bus”.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>My immediate reaction was, “What? there’s a bus tour from Cozumel?”&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Luckily, I was able to get on the same tour for a fraction of the price. Our day began with a forty-five-minute ferry ride to Playa del Carmen, and a two-hour bus ride (not really a big tour bus, but a van) from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza. As part of a small group, I did not have to deal with the entrance fees and long lines. Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Mayan civilization. Today it’s a world heritage site and the most visited archeological site in Mexico.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1UmLFrIE2o/XHB1A20VBDI/AAAAAAAAL9I/ssWjy4gcemkIC07f0Vnb66JfKf4q-IgsACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1UmLFrIE2o/XHB1A20VBDI/AAAAAAAAL9I/ssWjy4gcemkIC07f0Vnb66JfKf4q-IgsACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Past the entrance, there were many stalls selling souvenirs, but it's easy to ignore the hawkers when you’re about to see one of the places on your bucket list. We were greeted by probably the most iconic structure in Mexico – the pyramid called “El Castillo” or the Pyramid of Kukulkan. I’ve seen so many pictures of this pyramid, but as they say, “pictures never do justice”. The pyramid was a lot bigger than I envisioned. History has it that the pyramid was dedicated to Kukulkan, a feathered snake god similar to Quetzalcoatl. It was designed as a calendar. The four-sided pyramid has staircases on each face, each of which has 91 steps.&nbsp; The 91 steps and the top platform combined, total the 365 days of the solar year. The number of months in the Mayan calendar is represented by the 18 terraces on each side of the stairways. There are 52 vertical panels perpendicular to the terraces that represent the 52-year cycle of the solar and Mayan religious calendars.&nbsp;</div><div><br />Of course, the first reaction in visiting such a place was to take photos of the most iconic structure, but our guide showed us the best spot for taking photos. The pyramid is aligned so that the spring or autumn equinoxes create an optical illusion. As the sun sets, the northwestern corner of the terraces cast a shadow on the northern stairway, creating a diamond pattern representing a snake’s body. The effect is enhanced by the huge snakeheads carved at the bottom of the stairs. I would have loved to visit during the winter solstice or summer solstice to be able to take dramatic photos, but the weather with the hanging white clouds and blue skies was a beautiful backdrop nonetheless.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tchlXPZxtFQ/XHCABq1LRWI/AAAAAAAAL-c/73EDRi84Tp8sNpsivqJ7XSBltu4JnLh_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tchlXPZxtFQ/XHCABq1LRWI/AAAAAAAAL-c/73EDRi84Tp8sNpsivqJ7XSBltu4JnLh_wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-2792.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div><br /><br />As one of the largest Mayan cities and had the most diverse population in the Mayan world, Chichen Itza has a variety of architectural style at the site. Here are some pictures:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Temple of the Warriors</b>&nbsp;is a large stepped pyramid that was named after the surrounding carved columns depicting warriors.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_GTPV4NadE/XHB1jzxY-dI/AAAAAAAAL9Q/FMluM3zm8d86sUZNWJ6OMzC8XT7lkPBlQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_GTPV4NadE/XHB1jzxY-dI/AAAAAAAAL9Q/FMluM3zm8d86sUZNWJ6OMzC8XT7lkPBlQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Buildings of 1000 Columns</b>&nbsp; It is believed that these were great meeting halls. Remains of the painted frieze indicate that it was decorated with motifs and Chaac masks representing an earlier priestly class who governed the city.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryK-SReuuDk/XHB2j-zeCCI/AAAAAAAAL9c/QxKjoFFQd44nR8XIPVEqp7nDWr-vyy36gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryK-SReuuDk/XHB2j-zeCCI/AAAAAAAAL9c/QxKjoFFQd44nR8XIPVEqp7nDWr-vyy36gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02564.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The platform of Venus&nbsp;&nbsp;</b>In the corner of one of its panels, there is a relief of Serpent Bird Man, which is considered to be the Quetzalcoatl-Kukulkan’s representation as the 'Morning Star'.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdDqbm01MlU/XHB4WKbxOKI/AAAAAAAAL9o/YCUA53SH2-oU2z_Lg6AZg_I88sDwPTyPACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdDqbm01MlU/XHB4WKbxOKI/AAAAAAAAL9o/YCUA53SH2-oU2z_Lg6AZg_I88sDwPTyPACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02578.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Towards the stairway, one can observe the matting, which symbolizes power, and in the corners can be seen what has been interpreted as the Knotting of the Years alongside the Venus planet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ox0aX1LX48E/XHB8Oln4YMI/AAAAAAAAL-A/xX3ZWsheOQkG1A_bokJtayIizkA86NXewCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ox0aX1LX48E/XHB8Oln4YMI/AAAAAAAAL-A/xX3ZWsheOQkG1A_bokJtayIizkA86NXewCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><b>The Great Ball Court</b> is 225 feet wide and 545 feet long overall. It has no vault, no discontinuity between the walls and is totally open to the blue sky.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hXI2hwwxLv4/XHB7JpxFTFI/AAAAAAAAL90/vbM5Sun2AqsnuGkP_ZnePzXw8pQpcqbZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Ball%2BCourt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="400" height="408" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hXI2hwwxLv4/XHB7JpxFTFI/AAAAAAAAL90/vbM5Sun2AqsnuGkP_ZnePzXw8pQpcqbZwCLcBGAs/s640/Ball%2BCourt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkK_2WtwnuM/XHB-NUWVzaI/AAAAAAAAL-M/Dgmpuag17h4zbyxuy-xwxe2hlqgMLbYPACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkK_2WtwnuM/XHB-NUWVzaI/AAAAAAAAL-M/Dgmpuag17h4zbyxuy-xwxe2hlqgMLbYPACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02611.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />NOTE:&nbsp; All photos by the author<br /></div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-62302636646445069612019-02-10T09:32:00.000-08:002019-02-11T21:56:32.263-08:00Ocho Rios, Jamaica: Climbing Dunn's River FallsI had the most fun climbing waterfalls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. At 180 feet high and 600 feet long with clear and very light blue waters that flow through travertine terraces or giant natural stairs and empty into the white sand beach and aqua blue Caribbean sea, Dunn's River Falls is one of the most visited natural features of the country.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cCpU2xz_3rs/XGBfnZQAoEI/AAAAAAAAL8s/Yi6oT5MNeuUZDKRy3hcijVW49eqK688hQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cCpU2xz_3rs/XGBfnZQAoEI/AAAAAAAAL8s/Yi6oT5MNeuUZDKRy3hcijVW49eqK688hQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02946.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My original plan was just to take photos of the waterfalls and hang out at the beach later, so I was not totally prepared.&nbsp; When I found out that climbing Dunn's River Falls is one of the most famous activities in Jamaica, I could not pass up on the opportunity to experience it. Although I was wearing my swimsuit I did not have water shoes, which was one of the requirements for climbing the falls.&nbsp; But as they say in Jamaica, "No problem man".&nbsp; On&nbsp;the drive to Dunn's River Falls, our driver pulled over so we could buy water shoes from a vendor on the roadside.<br /><br />I did not find out until we were in the park that we would totally get wet. So I had to scramble down to put my big camera in a locker (so much for taking photos).&nbsp; But I had my iPhone in a waterproof case hanging around my neck. We met our guide, who handed us some papers (waiver) to sign and told us to read the safety rules and regulations.&nbsp; One of the rules was that cameras are not allowed during the climb.&nbsp; Fortunately, the guide allowed me to take my&nbsp;iPhone with me.&nbsp; Our guide led us to the trail/steps and we descended down to the beach where we started the climb.&nbsp; The beach itself was beautiful.<br /><br />The climb was pretty crowded.&nbsp; We were divided into groups and formed a human chain, strangers holding on to each other. I decided to stay at the very end of the chain so I could use my free hand to film. But it was impossible to film while holding on to the person in front of you or if someone was pulling you. So I just left my&nbsp;iPhone on video and let it rip. (I put together a short video, editing out all the crazy shots)<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rwyPide4wPs" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><br /><div></div>The first couple of steps lead to a small lagoon where a guide/photographer started filming and taking pictures for videos or pictures to be sold after the climb. From that point the climb was steep, the rapids were beautiful and intense, crashing along the vertical steps of the sections of the falls. It was a bit strenuous, especially after the halfway point where we had to go under the bridge with a very narrow gap between the travertine floor and the bridge roof.&nbsp; So everybody had to slow down, lower their head and body.&nbsp; It was one of the most dangerous parts of the climb for me.<br /><br />After the bridge, the climb got easier.&nbsp; The human chain started to break.&nbsp; I turned to the guides to give me a helping hand on some of the big steps.&nbsp; I thought our guide encouraged us to dip in the tiny pools or lagoons. At the end of the climb, I took a few minutes to take pictures of the beautiful scenery. I may not have been able to capture the beautiful&nbsp;scenery in film or picture as I intended, but I was very happy for the "high" from the extraordinary experience.<br /><br />NOTE:&nbsp; All videos and photos by the author.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oWvl38Obu5g" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Ocho&nbsp; Rios Highlights<br /><br /></div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-81160992980030193582019-01-31T15:26:00.000-08:002019-01-31T15:26:16.484-08:00The Lost CaribbeanMy first trip of the year is usually spent on active travel and getting back into nature. I spent a few days in the Caribbean snorkeling and walking in the rainforest in Honduras, river-tubing in Belize, and swimming with the dolphins and yes, with the 7-mile sandy beach and turquoise water of the Grand Cayman, it's sacrilegious not to spend time at the beach. Not much of story here, so I put together little videos shot on my iPhone.<br /><br /><h3>Snorkeling in Roatan, Honduras</h3>Enjoyed walking through the Gumbalimba Preservation Park and saw lots of wildlife including monkeys, and colorful macaws, and plenty of iguanas. After interacting with the monkeys I spent time at Tabyana Beach, said to be the lost Caribbean, and snorkeled in the shallow clear waters with beautiful corals and plenty of fish.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S1m_Y2csokU" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><h3>River Tubing in Belize</h3>I joined a river tubing adventure in Belize. I expected a rough and invigorating adventure, so I left my iPhone and camera behind. As it turned out the water was soooo calm that an adventure guide had to pull our innertubes so we could move down the river. The 45-minute ferry and 1 1/2-hour bus ride to the forest were more exhilarating. But the river tubing experience was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, meditating under lush canopies of exotic trees. I even saw a downed ironwood tree.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BAfMCeEQiVo" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><h3>Swimming with the Dolphins in Cayman Island.</h3><br />Swimming with the Dolphins was not one of my activities of choice, but this type of activity may not be available in the near future. So I decided to try it. It turned out to be a magical experience.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q8xHLSeIvEw" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br />NOTE:&nbsp; All photos and videos by the author</div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-89794426596860316692019-01-30T16:59:00.000-08:002019-01-31T20:13:31.976-08:00Anchorage, Alaska: Exploring the Chugach<h3>Exploring the Chugach</h3>Locals often say “it’s only a 20-minute drive to nature from Anchorage”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anchorage has access to one of the biggest state parks, the Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest. There are tons of hiking trails for all different types of fitness levels and there is something for everyone.<br /><br />Here are some of the popular hikes and trails in the Chugach.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Bird Ridge</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">About a 40-minute drive south of Anchorage is one of my favorite hikes. It’s about 2.3 miles one way and you gain a little over 3,200 feet of elevation. Though it is one the most challenging hikes it rewards you with instant views of the Turnagain Arm and surrounding mountains. Even if you only hike up halfway, you are greeted with 360-degree views. On this hike, you can view the bore tide which happens twice a day where you see one continuous wave cross the Turnagain Arm. In the summer, you can find locals surfing the wave. You will have to check tide charts to see when the bore tide occurs.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCyA3sz1bbY/XFJBY7J5tvI/AAAAAAAAL4o/apq5ixfBn501RqZzVYhpPJOx0MTbr5-YQCEwYBhgL/s1600/6F624422-E501-42D3-ABB2-C340D430ABD9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1125" height="472" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCyA3sz1bbY/XFJBY7J5tvI/AAAAAAAAL4o/apq5ixfBn501RqZzVYhpPJOx0MTbr5-YQCEwYBhgL/s640/6F624422-E501-42D3-ABB2-C340D430ABD9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird Ridge for sunrise and sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Eagle River Nature Center - Albert Loop Trail</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a great hike to do for those who are not used to hiking up elevation or just want a nice hike in the woods. Albert Loop Trail is located at the Eagle River Nature Center. About a 35-minute drive north of Anchorage. It’s a 4.5-mile loop that is pretty much flat and you have great views of Eagle River and the mountains. Along with this hike, you will pass some public use cabins and Yurts which are available for the public to rent. There are some platform decks for wildlife viewing.</div><br />In the winter this place is magical and looks like you are in a fairytale. In the fall, this a great place to view the fall colors.<br /><br />This is a popular trail overall, but in the summer they do close the trail off during August-October due to bears feeding off the spawning salmon in the river.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZZvLd7VE5E/XFO_75cNezI/AAAAAAAAL7A/wDQutQBBOfQOSJnjewPEMOskMxjl6V0rACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-3860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZZvLd7VE5E/XFO_75cNezI/AAAAAAAAL7A/wDQutQBBOfQOSJnjewPEMOskMxjl6V0rACLcBGAs/s640/IMG-3860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jv68Qz_qBuM/XFO-kCa2roI/AAAAAAAAL60/efGxFxm-ESMO2eg2r57p8ECicV7KnpeEgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jv68Qz_qBuM/XFO-kCa2roI/AAAAAAAAL60/efGxFxm-ESMO2eg2r57p8ECicV7KnpeEgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-3863.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ieeWrc6vkx4/XFJBY73gadI/AAAAAAAAL4s/IjpZwr7v81ILuCBNwmrYaN-v6NyNVHw_QCLcBGAs/s1600/C7488CFF-9CA0-4076-ACCF-B7010358FEE8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ieeWrc6vkx4/XFJBY73gadI/AAAAAAAAL4s/IjpZwr7v81ILuCBNwmrYaN-v6NyNVHw_QCLcBGAs/s640/C7488CFF-9CA0-4076-ACCF-B7010358FEE8.jpeg" width="516" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3.&nbsp; Portage Lake with Portage Glacier in the background</h3><div>If you want to see glaciers, then Portage Glacier is your go-to-glacier. It’s the most accessible glacier in the Chugach. It’s located about a 1-hour drive south of Anchorage.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>In the summer you can get to Portage Glacier via Portage Pass in Whittier. You have to enter using the Whittier Access tunnel which is a&nbsp;one-way&nbsp;tunnel. The tunnel direction changes every hour so you have to look at the schedule on the State of Alaska website.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Portage Pass is a&nbsp;4-mile&nbsp;hike with 1600 feet of elevation gain total. It’s not that hard of a hike the first mile you climb 800 feet to the pass then down back 800 feet to Portage Lake where you can get a&nbsp;close-up view of the glacier. This is a moderate hike but just getting to the pass is worth it along.</div><br />Though, the winter is where portage glacier stands out. If the weather cooperates and is cold enough, Portage Lake would freeze and you can actually walk on the lake to Portage Glacier. It’s about at 4&nbsp;miles&nbsp;flat hike to the face of the glacier. It’s a beautiful walk on the lake and once you turn around the corner of the lake you see the beautiful Portage Glacier. You don’t have to enter Whittier because you can access the lake from the Bear Valley side.<br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LOqu7OKYNA/XFPCiwF4jLI/AAAAAAAAL7U/I1moxRADFqAHFkLJfJjfRmuXwjcNTR27wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-3861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LOqu7OKYNA/XFPCiwF4jLI/AAAAAAAAL7U/I1moxRADFqAHFkLJfJjfRmuXwjcNTR27wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-3861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bD_7y7q8v90/XFPCBVy-NyI/AAAAAAAAL7M/A2GSh_GCJhw2gSd_YulehMritDdItMrVQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-3862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bD_7y7q8v90/XFPCBVy-NyI/AAAAAAAAL7M/A2GSh_GCJhw2gSd_YulehMritDdItMrVQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-3862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>There is a visitor center. Sadly due to global warming, you can no longer see the glacier from the visitor center. There are some options to still see the glacier. It just requires a little bit of a hike!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Other Info:</b></div><br />Summer: Though the Chugach is a beautiful place to explore you have to be aware and prepared for going out in nature. You have to be aware of wildlife. There are bears and moose where you have to be careful. Bring bear spray when hiking in Alaska. Make lots of noise so you don’t startle wildlife. Always try to hike in groups. Bring lots of water, food, and <u><i class="">deet</i></u> for the mosquitoes which can get pretty bad in the summer.<br /><br />Winter: Though you don’t have to worry about bears. You have to be aware of the temperatures and avalanche danger! Dress in layers! I always wear an underlayer, mid layer, and an outer shell. Bring warm clothes because Alaska weather has a mind of its own.<br /><br />Also be aware of avalanche danger! It’s important to realize you are hiking in the mountains and when it’s snowing you can run into avalanche danger. You can check avalanche advisories and forecasts here<br /><a href="http://www.cnfaic.org/advisories/current.php">http://www.cnfaic.org/advisories/current.php</a>.<br /><br /><br /><b>NOTE:</b>&nbsp; Written by Ted Odena, Guest Blogger.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; All photos by Ted OdenaAlice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-7467771730197827062018-10-30T09:51:00.002-07:002018-11-03T10:28:02.616-07:00Auschwitz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Last month, I visited Auschwitz, the site of the most notorious extermination camp in human history. Finding the right words to describe how I felt while standing in the spot where millions of people were murdered was very hard. It was beyond comprehension. I just got to sorting the pictures and videos I took from the trip when the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh happened. So, imagine how I felt when I heard about the senseless killing in the United States. I kept going back to the sights I saw in Auschwitz and the words of George Santayana, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”&nbsp; So, if you do have the opportunity to visit Auschwitz, you should. But I understand that not everybody will have the opportunity, so I just wanted to share some insight from my trip.<br /><br /><h3>Auschwitz I - The Main Camp</h3><br />In 1940 Himmler, the head of SS ordered a former garrison site in the town of Oswiecin (Auschwitz in German) to be taken over and held as a concentration camp. The camp has been left almost untouched, just like it was when the Nazi left in January 1945.<br /><br />Like most visitors to Auschwitz, I joined an organized tour group. After meeting our guide and collecting our audio set, we headed to the gate, the main entrance to the camp. The mood was subdued as we entered the main gate that read “Arbeit Macht Frei” which means “Work will make you free.” Our guide’s voice began to tremble as she described how the prisoners thought they were going to labor camps, but in reality, the camp was designed for mass extermination.<br /><br />We walked through the tree-lined street between rows of brick buildings reminiscent of a college campus to see the original barrack buildings that were converted into a state museum/exhibition rooms. Except for the heavy presence of electric barbed wire fencing and the wooded guard tower at the end of the street, it was hard to imagine that the most horrific things happened there.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ySxfvs1ao/W9vI8WLTUjI/AAAAAAAALy0/OmAS2eDfz4gKg8gQSf5oIaiZ7VlMOq5iACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02072.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ySxfvs1ao/W9vI8WLTUjI/AAAAAAAALy0/OmAS2eDfz4gKg8gQSf5oIaiZ7VlMOq5iACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02072.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I did not have a strong emotional reaction until we turned a corner into the barracks buildings and saw the word “EXTERMINATION” above the doorway of Block 4. I learned so much just from entering that building alone. There were informational signs as to the number of people deported and killed in Auschwitz and pictures of people that went through the process of deportation and selection, and a room dedicated to the selection of Jews from different countries in Europe and deported to Auschwitz<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONJLYh_AlPg/W9vKApCZimI/AAAAAAAALzA/1g32ods2diIe8-FlzShiXAdVEMTQGOKIACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02033.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONJLYh_AlPg/W9vKApCZimI/AAAAAAAALzA/1g32ods2diIe8-FlzShiXAdVEMTQGOKIACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02033.JPG" /></a><br /><br />As if the number of people killed was not enough to bring chills down my spine, original fragments of the crematories and a model of a gas chamber, and canisters which contained a chemical compound called Zyklon B, a pesticide, used for killing victims in the gas chamber were on display in glass cases. There was an urn with human ash. And seeing the room where the hair, cut from the people that had been murdered in the gas chamber, was the saddest part.<br /><br /><i>These are the canisters that contained the compound. In its raw form, Zyklon B comes in small pellets which after exposure to the air gives off a cyanide gas.</i><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-btZXzARCloo/W9vLmftaIyI/AAAAAAAALzQ/XamTWLRk4KwhSioN04KxdU79ifjmrlVuACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02043.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-btZXzARCloo/W9vLmftaIyI/AAAAAAAALzQ/XamTWLRk4KwhSioN04KxdU79ifjmrlVuACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02043.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />We moved on to Block 5, the “Material Proofs of Crimes” exhibit. After the liberation of the camp in 1945, the Soviet Army found buildings full of human possessions ranging from shoes to human hair all of which were on display in Block 5, There was a large display case with artificial limbs that belonged to the peopled deported to Auschwitz for extermination, and another large display case of suitcases with names written in large letters. The Jews were instructed to mark their suitcases for later identification. Some of the possessions from the victims were plundered by the SS and became the property of the German government. Women had their hair shaved and bagged and used as mattresses.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfF9bKldFjo/W90nByBnJJI/AAAAAAAAL1o/bGjg4W_4Wh0JA16PmCJrc96l9XQTREvzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfF9bKldFjo/W90nByBnJJI/AAAAAAAAL1o/bGjg4W_4Wh0JA16PmCJrc96l9XQTREvzgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1488.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div>In Block 6, the “Everyday Life of the Prisoner” exhibit, we saw display cases of eyeglasses, brushes, baby clothes and sweaters, Jewish prayer shawls, and even a display of cans of shoe shine wax. There was a room dedicated to the process of registration of prisoners, the hall in Block 6 was filled with photographs of registered prisoners. There was a room dedicated to famine and starvation, and a room dedicated to the memory of children victims of the camp.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TSDlEyCXBgA/W90ohXYbEiI/AAAAAAAAL10/BOyiEsNz2jU1vKJiM8hd_N4BKUgSBWjNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TSDlEyCXBgA/W90ohXYbEiI/AAAAAAAAL10/BOyiEsNz2jU1vKJiM8hd_N4BKUgSBWjNgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1489.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />In Block 7, the “Living and Sanitary Conditions” exhibit, we saw 3-tiered bunk beds, the original camp toilets, and original washroom. According to the information posted, the living condition in the main camp (Auschwitz 1) differed according to the particular period of the camp existence. The number of prisoners assigned to each barrack varied from 700 to over 1000.<br /><br />After viewing the exhibits, we went to Block 10 and 11 where much of Auschwitz gruesome history was carried out.<br /><br />Block 10 was originally used to house women for the brothel. In 1943-1944 it was used by several SS doctors to carry out sterilization and other medical experiments. Our guide explained so many things about this form of punishment, but basically, sterilization is a form of biological extermination<br /><br />Block 11 was known as the camp jail or as the death block. Prisoners suspected of escaping or organizing resistance were held here. One of the ways of killing prisoners was through starvation. Cell 18 in Block 11 serves as the memorial of a Franciscan Friar, Maximillian Kolbe, the Polish priest who sacrificed his life to save another prisoner. A sign says, “Cell in which in 1941 died prisoners sentenced to death by starvation as a result of collective responsibility for escapees” Kolbe was arrested for anti-Nazi activities and transferred to the Auschwitz camp. In July 1943, three prisoners escape from the camp prompting the SS to pick up 10 men to be starved to death as a deterrent to others thinking of escape. When one of the selected men became distraught Kolbe volunteered to take his place and led others in prayer. In 1982 Kolbe was canonized and became the patron saints of political prisoners.<br /><br />Another way of killing a prisoner was through the “Punishment Cell”. There were four standing cells in the basement of Block 11. There was only a 2" opening for air so that prisoners wouldn't suffocate. The prisoner was asked to stand up all night before sending to work in the morning.&nbsp; This type of punishment was usually imposed for a period of 10 days.<br /><br />Another cell was the site of SS attempt at gassing people at a concentration camp. In Sept 1941, commander Rudolf Hoss decided to test Zyklon B and tested then over 600 POWs and it worked.<br /><br />Outside, between Block 10 and 11 was the execution wall – the spot were people who were intentionally executed met their fate. Our guide pointed out the difference between Block 10 and Block 11 windows. The windows of Block 10 were covered with black-painted wooden boards so that no one could see what was going on inside while the windows on Block 11 have bars.<br /><br />Hanging was also carried out in the camp to intimidate other prisoners caught from escaping. In July of 1943, twelve prisoners were hung in the camp – the biggest execution by hanging carried out in the history of the camp.<br /><br />Rudolf Hoss, the commandant of Auschwitz, lived with his family in the house on edge of the camp, a few steps where he was executed.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8pedVXnpjg/W9vPlG8PwMI/AAAAAAAALz8/OqZOB3-P-bMN_-NYmtt8s7AQeb1DAdjfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC02075A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8pedVXnpjg/W9vPlG8PwMI/AAAAAAAALz8/OqZOB3-P-bMN_-NYmtt8s7AQeb1DAdjfwCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC02075A.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Rudolf Hoss was executed here in 1947</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The most significant structure was the gas chamber. It was originally used as a storage until it was converted as a gas chamber. The use of the gas chamber in Auschwitz gradually stopped when the gas chambers were completed in Auschwitz II Birkenau. It was used as an air raid shelter for the SS.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfrw-wQo9gw/W9vNgQGexMI/AAAAAAAALzs/Myhhw4rFhEokldIdgPj6cOiMG6_kOsY_QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02076.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfrw-wQo9gw/W9vNgQGexMI/AAAAAAAALzs/Myhhw4rFhEokldIdgPj6cOiMG6_kOsY_QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02076.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NJu1Nx6h7k/W93ZVE982fI/AAAAAAAAL2A/UV_egN8StoEY7NYu1875rFEwEP-EaPpYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B4%2B%252811-3-2018%2B10-20%2BAM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NJu1Nx6h7k/W93ZVE982fI/AAAAAAAAL2A/UV_egN8StoEY7NYu1875rFEwEP-EaPpYwCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B4%2B%252811-3-2018%2B10-20%2BAM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><h3><br /></h3><h3>Auschwitz II, Birkenau – The Death Camp</h3>Auschwitz II-Birkenau is about 2 miles from Auschwitz I. Construction of Auschwitz II – Birkenau camp started in October 1941 to ease congestion in Auschwitz I. It was part of the plan to implement the so-called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Solution">Final solution to the Jewish question</a> <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JeuroncLT0U/W9vWEYlwzLI/AAAAAAAAL0k/qld0XvE_bWQ48-ShuKhT0wPYebpPpD5agCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02101.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JeuroncLT0U/W9vWEYlwzLI/AAAAAAAAL0k/qld0XvE_bWQ48-ShuKhT0wPYebpPpD5agCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02101.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the area. We walked the trail to the entrance which was used as a checkpoint for prisoners at the main building. Past the entrance, we walked the path of the train tracks passing rows and rows of barracks bordered by electric barbed wire fencing.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyITQM9jBbM/W9vU58HcZWI/AAAAAAAAL0Q/87A5iyGk1zQ63WCtbzdLugr0V3g4DHEeACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02110.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyITQM9jBbM/W9vU58HcZWI/AAAAAAAAL0Q/87A5iyGk1zQ63WCtbzdLugr0V3g4DHEeACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02110.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />If not for the heavy presence of barbed wire fencing. I would not have been able to tell that it was the site of the biggest mass murder in recorded human history. The red brick buildings in the field of green grass, with thick forest in the far end, almost looked pastoral and peaceful.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uiPCOy9nUr8/W9vT3ZQBq3I/AAAAAAAAL0E/1Si3FBD2p2MXLYIhIDtS0JtfxnkQGgSpACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02107.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uiPCOy9nUr8/W9vT3ZQBq3I/AAAAAAAAL0E/1Si3FBD2p2MXLYIhIDtS0JtfxnkQGgSpACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02107.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />We stopped at the boxcar said to have been used to transport Hungarian prisoners. In 1943-1944 when the “Final Solution” was well underway, prisoners transported to Birkenau were sorted according to worth. When the boxcar stopped, they had everybody in line and Dr. Mengele would select and point either to the left or right. The people on the right were the people that had a good chance of survival, and people on the left went straight to the crematorium toward the gas chamber.<br /><br />At the end of the road opposite the gate was one of the most powerful sites in the camp – the site of the largest gas chamber and crematoria in Birkenau – Crematorium #2 and Crematorium #3. They were built to accommodate thousands of people a day. According to our guide, there was a dressing room where people were forced to undress before entering the crematorium. After death people were examined in the examination room for valuables.<br /><br />The last scenery and narration were more than enough to send chills down my spine, but our tour was not over yet. We went to see a typical barrack where the foundation was original, but the wooden structure was replaced due to infestation. Wooden stable-type barracks were installed in Segment B1 (see picture below for layout).<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Msyu0JGRN8/W9vXCDNDoNI/AAAAAAAAL0w/7YEsPgRW9aIV8OdD05NnhfTM0uvff4UZgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02119.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Msyu0JGRN8/W9vXCDNDoNI/AAAAAAAAL0w/7YEsPgRW9aIV8OdD05NnhfTM0uvff4UZgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02119.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />The typical barrack had no windows, Instead, there was a row of skylights at the top. The interior was divided into 18 stalls, intended originally for 52 horses. Three-tier wooden bunks intended for 15 prisoners to sleep in were installed on one side, and two stalls were reserved for prisoners’ sanitary needs with containers for excrement stood in two stalls. The barracks were frequently damp, and lice and rats were an enormous problem for the prisoners. Some prisoners walked naked in the freezing cold to use the bathhouse that led to sickness and death.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fM7nbd36hJE/W9vXQbRwqlI/AAAAAAAAL00/eG4pBfxRYtItAeDYPq5rvG4KDMhlua2sACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02117.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fM7nbd36hJE/W9vXQbRwqlI/AAAAAAAAL00/eG4pBfxRYtItAeDYPq5rvG4KDMhlua2sACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02117.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjzhNoGKavg/W9vYJH0uyGI/AAAAAAAAL1Q/OIcREPRRmmgXM61I6Q1u1apvKTflSdV8ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02116.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjzhNoGKavg/W9vYJH0uyGI/AAAAAAAAL1Q/OIcREPRRmmgXM61I6Q1u1apvKTflSdV8ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02116.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />I had seen a few documentaries on Auschwitz, but nothing prepared me for being there.&nbsp; It was incomprehensible.&nbsp; A question kept reverberating in my brain as I left the tour: How did 'they' let it happen?&nbsp; The efficient and cold methodology behind Auschwitz II design and construction horrifies me even now.&nbsp; <br /><b><br /></b><b>Press play and take the tour with me&nbsp;</b><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;publico&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , &quot;times&quot; , &quot;garamond&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;publico&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , &quot;times&quot; , &quot;garamond&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;publico&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , &quot;times&quot; , &quot;garamond&quot; , serif; font-size: 17px;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WsXkNtpIIJg" width="560"></iframe></span></span></div><br /><br />NOTE:<br />All photos by the authorAlice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-37042447636455736952018-10-18T00:25:00.001-07:002018-10-18T10:32:47.569-07:00Poland: The Wieliczka Salt MineOne of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites I visited this year was the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow, Poland. It was founded in the 13th century to mine the rich deposit of salt. Salt mining stopped in 1996&nbsp;when the low price of salt on the world market made it too expensive to mine and the mine was slowly flooding. But miners did more than just extract salt. They left behind them a breathtaking record of their time underground in the shape of statues of mythical, historical and religious figures.&nbsp; Part of the salt mine became an art gallery, chapels, cathedral, and underground lakes. Today, Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most visited National Monuments in Poland.<br /><br />For safety reason, less than one percent of the mine is open to visitors, but even that is almost four kilometers in length. There are 20 chambers to visit and 800 steps to climb of which 350 at the beginning take you down into the mine. You can’t just visit and wander around on your own. All of the visits are scheduled and guided.<br /><br />Our tour began with a descent down Danilowicz Shaft to Level 1 of the mine, situated 64 meters deep. I felt a gush of breeze once the door was opened. I learned something about the ventilation through the doors that open and close, from one door to the next 20 meters down. If one door isn’t closed you can’t open the other because the wind will just brush right the way through. Our guide made sure that nobody in the group was left behind before shutting the door.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-osM-aUzT3Z4/W8fOSSQ8NUI/AAAAAAAALvY/jtWmut-LOaAk89k64PTk0v_PHaHxNTMCQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-osM-aUzT3Z4/W8fOSSQ8NUI/AAAAAAAALvY/jtWmut-LOaAk89k64PTk0v_PHaHxNTMCQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02367.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We walked through the long tunnels made of wooden structure to see chamber after chamber - from the 13th century to the 19th century. There were galleries depicting mythical, historical and religious figures. In the first chamber, we saw a gallery of mythical figures depicting the legend of Kinga, the patron saint of the salt mines. Legend has it that the Hungarian Princess Kinga asked her father Bela IV of Hungary for a lump of salt, a precious mineral in Poland. Her father took her to a salt mine in Maramos where she threw her engagement ring in one of the shafts. The princess asked the miners to dig a pit until they come upon a rock. The miners found a lump of rock of salt and when they split it in two, they discovered the princess’s ring.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETEcNMFwITg/W8fPp7Ee1oI/AAAAAAAALvw/ggXIutVJ3h8yELDm5yEkxyYh-VHsG8LRACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETEcNMFwITg/W8fPp7Ee1oI/AAAAAAAALvw/ggXIutVJ3h8yELDm5yEkxyYh-VHsG8LRACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02377.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There were galleries showing the history of salt making, and how the salt was transported. I learned that up to 2 tons worth of salt were transported from the shaft. Figurines of a Hungarian dog and men pulling the pulley were on display.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2IXJgsICSQ/W8fQGCNuheI/AAAAAAAALv4/cwLuL2X-KMABTCaOA33OVVmDbJ9EnnbHQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2IXJgsICSQ/W8fQGCNuheI/AAAAAAAALv4/cwLuL2X-KMABTCaOA33OVVmDbJ9EnnbHQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02397.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><br />We saw beautiful chapels, but the largest attraction was the St. Kinga Chapel founded in 1896. Pointing to the enormous cathedral below, our guide said that it was possible to have weddings there, and organized concerts are held due to very good acoustics. We walked down the stairs to reach the floors of the cathedral at 101 meters deep and to admire the original works of miners. All of the artwork on the walls was carved out of rock salt, which naturally comes in different shades of gray, including the two most remarkable: The Last Supper and the one Jesus appearing to the apostles after the crucifixion and showing the doubter, St. Thomas, the wound on his wrist. Most of the religious figures were made from salt. Amazingly, even the chandeliers in the cathedral are made of salt. It was interesting to hear the work and patience that went into the creation of the chandeliers: the most painstaking process of extracting the salt, dissolving and reconstituting the salt to remove impurities to achieve a glass-like finish.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERddIsXNZjY/W8fRBCJGu0I/AAAAAAAALwE/tL_9dbN53AQJitw3VsFY7vt8nwdO_BRKQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERddIsXNZjY/W8fRBCJGu0I/AAAAAAAALwE/tL_9dbN53AQJitw3VsFY7vt8nwdO_BRKQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02425.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />We then descended 110 meters deep to the Adam Mickiewicz Lower Level II. Along the way, we heard the sound of water dripping from the small channel and larger channels to distribute the water out to underground lakes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gSsmQhYmGc/W8fTQJlNLsI/AAAAAAAALwc/q4pno3zvh1onxEmg_SeyBf-rTGBy2tDBACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gSsmQhYmGc/W8fTQJlNLsI/AAAAAAAALwc/q4pno3zvh1onxEmg_SeyBf-rTGBy2tDBACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02440.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In the second half of the 19th century, massive wooden pillars were installed to support the large chamber. We also saw the largest chandelier in the salt mine - 6 meters and 600 kilograms.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zT9LR2cVCmk/W8fSGR18cuI/AAAAAAAALwQ/Em2jCxYdqEcoXJ57qnQzJD0ighpmTeSKgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zT9LR2cVCmk/W8fSGR18cuI/AAAAAAAALwQ/Em2jCxYdqEcoXJ57qnQzJD0ighpmTeSKgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div>After passing the Kazanow Split Level II, we saw the Josef Pilsudski Grotto.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UV6o4Nmovs/W8fVK42BtPI/AAAAAAAALwo/v7LFqMAqVHY2h2enGWf7zQWjxse4sLrFACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UV6o4Nmovs/W8fVK42BtPI/AAAAAAAALwo/v7LFqMAqVHY2h2enGWf7zQWjxse4sLrFACLcBGAs/s640/DSC02467.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We found the largest chamber at about 134 meters deep. Our guide mentioned that two things have happened in the largest chamber: Bungy jumping and an indoor hot air balloon (the balloon only flew 2 meters).</div><div><br />At the end of the tour, we gathered around the edge of one of the underground lakes to watch a light and sound show accompanied by the music of Chopin. Perhaps the tour was designed that way in order for the visitors to experience the great acoustics.<br /><br />Touring just 1% of the salt mine gave me a sense of perspective, and great appreciation not only for the extraordinary iconographic artworks but for the miners who created them. So, it was of no surprise to me that the Wieliczka Salt Mine was placed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.<br /><br /><b>Press play and enjoy the tour!</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V3Hsy1C5hdo" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><h4>PHOTO GALLERY: (From the Kinga Chapel)</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZU7Xbq_Mf8/W8fX9WlBLeI/AAAAAAAALw4/C9F9TKLluOgfOKoHzPAJniyHwp_4Q3t7gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZU7Xbq_Mf8/W8fX9WlBLeI/AAAAAAAALw4/C9F9TKLluOgfOKoHzPAJniyHwp_4Q3t7gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02431.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Altar - The Statue of&nbsp; St. Kinga made entirely from salt</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izKTkJNFXLA/W8fY_ry3QjI/AAAAAAAALxI/ZAwa2U9eQ-wBL_lPfuW_LGupbRE4r9FSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC02432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izKTkJNFXLA/W8fY_ry3QjI/AAAAAAAALxI/ZAwa2U9eQ-wBL_lPfuW_LGupbRE4r9FSQCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC02432.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eucharistic Table</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26wH8xSwtP0/W8fbYMMp4TI/AAAAAAAALxo/Pe-JntzM6o4U6PWGbEXGr-SOiFfB7FVtwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26wH8xSwtP0/W8fbYMMp4TI/AAAAAAAALxo/Pe-JntzM6o4U6PWGbEXGr-SOiFfB7FVtwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02433.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Religious figures carved out of the rock salt</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aP19WSrUy64/W8fX73WYhQI/AAAAAAAALw0/qNRK8GxpuP8zcq_6S7Xa22m9Dr5x14KUQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aP19WSrUy64/W8fX73WYhQI/AAAAAAAALw0/qNRK8GxpuP8zcq_6S7Xa22m9Dr5x14KUQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02427.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iconographic Folk Arts carved out of the rock salt</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVUJjOnvMqk/W8fZBFX_t-I/AAAAAAAALxQ/KOeMwwftMCA6iYNtJWiGSbhLXviobSAygCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVUJjOnvMqk/W8fZBFX_t-I/AAAAAAAALxQ/KOeMwwftMCA6iYNtJWiGSbhLXviobSAygCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02434.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4gdhTKPuSw/W8fZFFz9YxI/AAAAAAAALxU/3MpZxdFvmpYDaMTgVjI-lhJQDfaL13LSQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4gdhTKPuSw/W8fZFFz9YxI/AAAAAAAALxU/3MpZxdFvmpYDaMTgVjI-lhJQDfaL13LSQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC02435.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of John Paul II made from salt</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><b>NOTE:&nbsp;&nbsp;</b><br />All photos and video by the author<br /><br /></div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-58805819162844281142018-10-08T13:56:00.001-07:002018-11-03T00:52:50.225-07:00Latvia: A Walk in the Forest<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />On a recent trip to the Baltic, I had the chance to visit the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia, one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe. It’s located on the banks of Lake Jugla and just 30-minutes drive from downtown Riga. The museum was established in 1924 and had collected 118 historical buildings from all over Latvia. Information as to when and where the building was built and when it was added to the museum is posted on each building.<br /><br />On a beautiful clear day, with blue skies and fresh air in abundance with temperature in the mid-60s Fahrenheit, I expected a few visitors around, but there seemed to be no other visitors but our group. Which is strange since there were lots of tourists in the Old Town, Riga about eighteen kilometers away.<br /><br />After the museum entrance, we entered the first building - a barn with a collection of ancient wooden carriages on display. But the information posted on the building describes it as Roadhouse Pub built in the district of Bauska in 1841 and exhibited since 1938. Its design reflects typical features of feudalism. As soon as we emerged from the Roadhouse Pub, I smelled a delicious aroma of food. The whiff of a baking bread came from the building next door that happened to be a restaurant and a gift shop combined. There was a couple of artisans and a display of working tools and furnishing which characterized the time period and the region as well.<br /><br />Past the restaurant/gift shop, we walked deep into the forest. It was like walking into a fairy-tale landscape. It was so lovely, green and peaceful. The peace was broken only by the chirping birds. The chirping turned into a screeching as we reached the circular ground with a statue in the middle. As our guide started to talk about the statue and what we're about to see, I caught a glimpse of the screeching jay as it flew from tree to tree.&nbsp; So, I pulled my camera out and tried to capture the moment, but even as I touched the camera icon I knew I had missed it. The bird was gone and I missed our guide's narration about the statue.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f76wOsBHjYw/W7fDLeRrIGI/AAAAAAAALqw/tS2j3Gvw8j4gE-Hh0j9-JzY7zhkpz1sHwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f76wOsBHjYw/W7fDLeRrIGI/AAAAAAAALqw/tS2j3Gvw8j4gE-Hh0j9-JzY7zhkpz1sHwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />A few steps from the statue stood a small wooden church that seemed to breathe among the towering pine trees. It was a thing of unadorned pastoral beauty and rustic craftsmanship. The church interior consists of six areas - the nave, three vestries for clergymen, anteroom and a porch. The pews were honey-colored pine and very few religious icons could be found on the altar. The church ceiling was covered with decorative paintings, painted by a third-grade teacher.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSRrX5CjwUg/W7fFHv6_0JI/AAAAAAAALrE/oJYA1Ry7OT0vBWldg0lMu9Oqqvl6Y3YTACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSRrX5CjwUg/W7fFHv6_0JI/AAAAAAAALrE/oJYA1Ry7OT0vBWldg0lMu9Oqqvl6Y3YTACLcBGAs/s640/DSC01336.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The church exterior</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7t89yq0SdIE/W7fFFKxraZI/AAAAAAAALrA/1j-34sX07fYREkTrR4eklf88sKEHr1IYgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7t89yq0SdIE/W7fFFKxraZI/AAAAAAAALrA/1j-34sX07fYREkTrR4eklf88sKEHr1IYgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The church interior</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Next, we visited a fisherman’s house. Our guide showed us every room and described how people lived their everyday life in ancient Latvia. It had a very low ceiling and each item has been kept exactly as it was in its original.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZZvJGRDzjc/W7fGoTmLXTI/AAAAAAAALrU/yWc1SMH4AE8sZCM2ayyyX6512j4s7Y-ZACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZZvJGRDzjc/W7fGoTmLXTI/AAAAAAAALrU/yWc1SMH4AE8sZCM2ayyyX6512j4s7Y-ZACLcBGAs/s640/DSC01353.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We visited a collection of buildings; wooden houses with straw roofs, artisans and fisherman’s farms, windmills, churches, homesteads among the stands of pine trees. The&nbsp;buildings have been set up to give us a sense of Latvia’s rural landscape – farmsteads of Latvian farmers, craftsmen, and fishermen. Each structure has been kept exactly as it was in its original setting.&nbsp;<br /><br />Our guide offered us the chance to walk around the forest and explore the 88 hectares ground on our own.&nbsp; I joined four people in my group to walk to the lake. But in looking for a restroom facility along the way, we round a bend and the green plains gave way to the rolling forest-covered hills. We ended up walking the wooded hillside and reached yet another windmill.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUZrH3HViDU/W7fKTnIYLNI/AAAAAAAALsc/oTkvvBXtRbkOMGUDE5wLSc7zKdW79T0PQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUZrH3HViDU/W7fKTnIYLNI/AAAAAAAALsc/oTkvvBXtRbkOMGUDE5wLSc7zKdW79T0PQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01389.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />There was a fence behind the windmill so we could not go any farther.&nbsp; We saw a trail on the other side of the windmill and continued walking through the wooded hillside.&nbsp; After half a mile, we saw a tiny restroom sign and finally found our way back to the main entrance. It was a great cultural experience to have a glimpse of how people lived in ancient Latvia through their dwellings, but the natural setting was even more impressive. Getting lost in the forest was the most fun.<br /><br />PRESS PLAY to take a walk with me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JR38m6p94No" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h2>PHOTO GALLERY</h2></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtksTL_F40c/W7fNuPW2CeI/AAAAAAAALs0/cCi-p9xXLFY7MEzgGEVJwA7Iq_7rwAj8ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtksTL_F40c/W7fNuPW2CeI/AAAAAAAALs0/cCi-p9xXLFY7MEzgGEVJwA7Iq_7rwAj8ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC01384.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6-pMFHKEdE/W7fIFvwGkXI/AAAAAAAALro/sRrcf0iypSY-bFo7zhNRWXozXr9n47rAQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6-pMFHKEdE/W7fIFvwGkXI/AAAAAAAALro/sRrcf0iypSY-bFo7zhNRWXozXr9n47rAQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01350.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mG3NMHQjuEQ/W7fIExmzRcI/AAAAAAAALrg/dq8c5E9sQk8SilreqKDzIAMAQ2zJj8mDwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mG3NMHQjuEQ/W7fIExmzRcI/AAAAAAAALrg/dq8c5E9sQk8SilreqKDzIAMAQ2zJj8mDwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClO_COoliC0/W7fIKHbW2OI/AAAAAAAALrs/fRWtF6oJlO0Sq-nsIOZIB1jilMtsVHSiACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ClO_COoliC0/W7fIKHbW2OI/AAAAAAAALrs/fRWtF6oJlO0Sq-nsIOZIB1jilMtsVHSiACLcBGAs/s640/DSC01363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wiuR1Hgo0J0/W7fIRFIysdI/AAAAAAAALr0/XJDCN0dzmEwlviKx_2ztqGCpa_RYfstmACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wiuR1Hgo0J0/W7fIRFIysdI/AAAAAAAALr0/XJDCN0dzmEwlviKx_2ztqGCpa_RYfstmACLcBGAs/s640/DSC01377.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LKPwMd3GeQ/W7fJAFBhJTI/AAAAAAAALsQ/J_6JwuZ2qS0hGGpn2MKtSAHTYjsQZvxYgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LKPwMd3GeQ/W7fJAFBhJTI/AAAAAAAALsQ/J_6JwuZ2qS0hGGpn2MKtSAHTYjsQZvxYgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBQ-N3KRx38/W7fKULhVooI/AAAAAAAALsg/ygZc7uk-tJMxoRaF0j7T3X80_kGge_FCQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC01387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBQ-N3KRx38/W7fKULhVooI/AAAAAAAALsg/ygZc7uk-tJMxoRaF0j7T3X80_kGge_FCQCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC01387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h4>NOTE:</h4>All photos by the author</div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-78741756151354613122018-10-04T09:39:00.000-07:002018-10-05T01:25:10.552-07:00Riga, Latvia<br />I was excited to arrive at the architecturally bejeweled town of Riga, the capital city of Latvia called the Paris of the Baltic and designated as the European Capital of Culture for 2014. Our guided tour of the city was not scheduled until the next day. After a quick change of clothes, I walked to Vermanes Park across the hotel and spent my free time observing the locals. On the benches of an open concert stage, I saw young men stretching and using the benches as an obstacle course for their late afternoon workout (I’d guessed). Glad that I was not tempted to get ice-cream from the bright pink colored ice-cream place around the corner, offering tubs of ice-cream and cookies before dinner because I was looking forward to having Latvian food for dinner. In the short time I spent in the park, I found Riga to be a lively, beautiful and very safe-feeling city.<br /><br />I then met up with the group and walked to “Alkimikis” brewery/restaurant, housed at an old wooden building but with a modern interior. The ambiance and food presentation at the beer house/restaurant was great. My soup and salad were good, but my main course of beef roll with sweet potato puree was a disappointment. The lunch I had from Lido, a fast-food buffet restaurant, was much better.<br /><br />The following morning, we started the walking tour to see the most famous Art Nouveau buildings in Riga. It’s said that Art Nouveau architecture makes out roughly one-third of all buildings in the center of Riga, making it the city with the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture anywhere in the world. We walked along Albert Street and focused on the buildings designed by Mikhail Eisenstein.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TL5YNK8mOZ4/W7RSSDSQjoI/AAAAAAAALks/gBWWYH_KHVovTBCaBeQ2y6k28R3t00YBgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01113.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TL5YNK8mOZ4/W7RSSDSQjoI/AAAAAAAALks/gBWWYH_KHVovTBCaBeQ2y6k28R3t00YBgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01113.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The Old Town was a few blocks from the Art Nouveau neighborhood. It features over 500 buildings built in various architectural styles - Romanticism, Gothic, Baroque, Modernism, etc. Strolling through the cobblestones was like walking into an open-air museum where the architecture chronicles the city’s complicated history from the 12th century Dome cathedral to the 14th-century Guildhall, to the brick tower built by the 17th century ruling Swedes.<br /><br />St. Peter’s Church is the oldest in the city and the main landmark of Riga. It’s one of the most important buildings in the middle ages, and associated with three different periods; Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque. When the church tower collapsed, Peter the Great had it rebuilt. <br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-alHkm3a0W34/W7RXIYRztXI/AAAAAAAALlQ/l5UdGcIhbRACQwJ6OV-_YPzTl2PiWaUswCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC01199.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-alHkm3a0W34/W7RXIYRztXI/AAAAAAAALlQ/l5UdGcIhbRACQwJ6OV-_YPzTl2PiWaUswCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC01199.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />We turned a corner and found the 14th-century merchant guild hall with an elaborate Dutch Renaissance façade. It was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt after Latvia regained its independence.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFUmUsl37fs/W7RR1SSJMII/AAAAAAAALkk/SNds05MLPsAMZqDC1XjtduJqW7pzvCPBQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01211.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFUmUsl37fs/W7RR1SSJMII/AAAAAAAALkk/SNds05MLPsAMZqDC1XjtduJqW7pzvCPBQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01211.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The House of Blackheads<br /><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>There were so many photogenic buildings that I got distracted from listening to the guide's narration about the different highlights or attractions. I just started firing off my camera.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvp2Tu7xyHc/W7ReMBmEGNI/AAAAAAAALmE/7NJhQKNCdc8JUt7rRbOz-04hQDYq4ZdiQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01261.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvp2Tu7xyHc/W7ReMBmEGNI/AAAAAAAALmE/7NJhQKNCdc8JUt7rRbOz-04hQDYq4ZdiQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01261.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Three Brothers are the oldest medieval dwelling houses in Riga. In the medieval times, Maza Pils Street was located in the outskirts of Riga and craftsmen lived there.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hJkCOc-v70/W7RmRYcduiI/AAAAAAAALmo/zgX7TmLxnlcSqugnkrmeO0Ayw3AVc9MQgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01275.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hJkCOc-v70/W7RmRYcduiI/AAAAAAAALmo/zgX7TmLxnlcSqugnkrmeO0Ayw3AVc9MQgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01275.JPG" /></a> <br />The Swedish Gate is the only surviving city gate of Riga, which was built into the city wall in 1698 during Swedish rule.<br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyqT67OY-ns/W7R4dEPPD0I/AAAAAAAALm0/5NMRFnrU0lcKQFPU7kot84uf3t2ADLhAQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01241.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyqT67OY-ns/W7R4dEPPD0I/AAAAAAAALm0/5NMRFnrU0lcKQFPU7kot84uf3t2ADLhAQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01241.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Museum of Foreign Art</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The UNESCO plaque displaying Riga's inscription can be found just in front of the Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of Riga in Cathedral Square.</div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsIthK8IQOs/W7We8eYULmI/AAAAAAAALnM/i5Qj3W9m-P4U5M2Gt17LhBr-sn5QYLjKQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HsIthK8IQOs/W7We8eYULmI/AAAAAAAALnM/i5Qj3W9m-P4U5M2Gt17LhBr-sn5QYLjKQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01245.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral of Riga</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lf-D7Z3Od-k/W7WlR5Y-ZeI/AAAAAAAALng/Sk3mX0oILdMC3yQ_aRE8gUg5AKBIZPvewCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lf-D7Z3Od-k/W7WlR5Y-ZeI/AAAAAAAALng/Sk3mX0oILdMC3yQ_aRE8gUg5AKBIZPvewCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01238.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romantic Cobblestone Lane</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSLh00Ufk7g/W7RbT2IJVYI/AAAAAAAALlg/_a79ZIAakG8gmc5iI9sixYdMsbW6E0iNQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01289.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSLh00Ufk7g/W7RbT2IJVYI/AAAAAAAALlg/_a79ZIAakG8gmc5iI9sixYdMsbW6E0iNQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01289.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buildings varied and constructed during different periods of history</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZhNP-WaP78/W7WnvhWJ0cI/AAAAAAAALnw/oz2KRnyW-MQdLSs_YaJlZhx1E6e2F_8ZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC01297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZhNP-WaP78/W7WnvhWJ0cI/AAAAAAAALnw/oz2KRnyW-MQdLSs_YaJlZhx1E6e2F_8ZwCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC01297.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Soviet Occupation Exhibition</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After the guided tour, my co-traveler and I continued to explore and take photos of the area along the river, park, and asphalt boulevards.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EHCOL7-gNs/W7RS5kRIk3I/AAAAAAAALk4/tEC2ieNeGLYLtlEwbJo1Ua71nqPhcXTYgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01312.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EHCOL7-gNs/W7RS5kRIk3I/AAAAAAAALk4/tEC2ieNeGLYLtlEwbJo1Ua71nqPhcXTYgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01312.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bastejkalns Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Riga Radio and TV Tower is the tallest tower in the European Union. It was built between 1979 and 1989 with funding from the central government of the Soviet Union.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXOMVqa7Z5U/W7RckhFb2eI/AAAAAAAALl4/t8dwQJOsYVAOffncWok4WAGquFr07QwhQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01150.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXOMVqa7Z5U/W7RckhFb2eI/AAAAAAAALl4/t8dwQJOsYVAOffncWok4WAGquFr07QwhQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01150.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Railway Bridge and Riga Radio and TV Tower</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gkO0Nh0Ukzk/W7Rjm6e9zNI/AAAAAAAALmc/3KuY_V-iX5UBVI0aQTmRyIh03QAFF4YggCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01157.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gkO0Nh0Ukzk/W7Rjm6e9zNI/AAAAAAAALmc/3KuY_V-iX5UBVI0aQTmRyIh03QAFF4YggCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01157.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riga's Skyline of Gothic spires in the Old Town backdropped by beautiful clouds.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />NOTE: All photos by the author</div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-68803290638148322662018-09-26T13:02:00.001-07:002018-10-01T14:13:19.961-07:00Vilnius, Lithuania<br />I spent the last few days traveling across the Baltic, to the towns of Tallinn, Estonia; Riga, Latvia, and Vilnius, Lithuania. These Baltic states have one thing in common; an Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. I saw the greenest forest as we traveled from Latvia to Lithuania. Towering trees, conifers and pine trees covered the roadsides. But approaching Vilnius the road widened and the city was dotted with grey concrete-block apartment buildings or townhomes. We passed high-rise and commercial buildings before reaching the town center where our hotel was located.&nbsp; My arrival in Vilnius coincided with the biggest street festival. Since the festival was not on my itinerary, I asked the locals and vendors what was going on. I was told that it was some kind of international festival where people from different countries bring their crafts and food to sell. And there began my adventure in Vilnius walking the small cobbled street alive with food tents, tables, and chairs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LavbhLXP9ts/W6vXsN7HOOI/AAAAAAAALjs/u6YeeDoIJAkDNH_m0ZSh-1cR-RABbaBXgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LavbhLXP9ts/W6vXsN7HOOI/AAAAAAAALjs/u6YeeDoIJAkDNH_m0ZSh-1cR-RABbaBXgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gc5LROtNusM/W6sJ4lL87II/AAAAAAAALhI/Nb3FHqqujlMRcHRkSKcQXcUV_8EnmZM6gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gc5LROtNusM/W6sJ4lL87II/AAAAAAAALhI/Nb3FHqqujlMRcHRkSKcQXcUV_8EnmZM6gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_WM53vatry0" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Tourists, foreigners, and locals all mixing together enjoying the food, music and the last days of summer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WglKxB1mfA0/W6re3KmxxLI/AAAAAAAALfo/uX5COAKDxc0z__9vCPJOTNvFBmphbIHjACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WglKxB1mfA0/W6re3KmxxLI/AAAAAAAALfo/uX5COAKDxc0z__9vCPJOTNvFBmphbIHjACLcBGAs/s640/DSC01424.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I took a walk through one of the city parks, where I was able to photograph another contrast of what I did not expect to see in the Baltic – blue skies and plenty of sunshine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3XV_CwLMb2A/W6vLVeeUb0I/AAAAAAAALjg/J1UEIvTdBoQe_ItQEXUQCaMXHce6s-MrgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3XV_CwLMb2A/W6vLVeeUb0I/AAAAAAAALjg/J1UEIvTdBoQe_ItQEXUQCaMXHce6s-MrgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01441.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />I spent my first night in Vilnius listening to some pop concert.&nbsp; Our hotel was across the Vincas Kudirka Square where the main stage for festival entertainment was situated. So, I did not have to go far for entertainment.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QP68Ft4kVoE/W6s0vaAd5QI/AAAAAAAALh8/jEoUZWmPo3kXP6clzB2HC5j9LZsLll91wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QP68Ft4kVoE/W6s0vaAd5QI/AAAAAAAALh8/jEoUZWmPo3kXP6clzB2HC5j9LZsLll91wCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01484.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The following night was more of a cultural event with pop and folk music performances from different parts of the Baltic. There was also a fire show with acrobatics, performing fire stunts.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzxSINfPEJ4/W6vBhsHm_JI/AAAAAAAALis/RPOP7ROiWLwuSNvibPzuL2js1wjI2e9CACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzxSINfPEJ4/W6vBhsHm_JI/AAAAAAAALis/RPOP7ROiWLwuSNvibPzuL2js1wjI2e9CACLcBGAs/s640/DSC01731.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The following day was spent discovering baroque architecture and medieval history. Lithuania was the last and most Northerly European country to be converted to Catholicism. I joined a walking tour where we visited quite a few churches including the St. Peter and Paul Church, St. Anne Church, Bernardine Church and Monastery, St. Casimir Baroque Church and the Vilnius Cathedral.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc3xPNTqYgw/W6rh0qwaKFI/AAAAAAAALgE/h9XnCqdpewkTPl8ivBgz8RoJ-PfGUa5AgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc3xPNTqYgw/W6rh0qwaKFI/AAAAAAAALgE/h9XnCqdpewkTPl8ivBgz8RoJ-PfGUa5AgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01498.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Peter and Paul Church features a boat chandelier</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQDfs1MMlz0/W6rlYLlSGRI/AAAAAAAALgk/MOqsektOg5UqgvcJ2c6SjXgKPPH6QPiFgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQDfs1MMlz0/W6rlYLlSGRI/AAAAAAAALgk/MOqsektOg5UqgvcJ2c6SjXgKPPH6QPiFgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01579.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Anne Church, a Gothic beauty</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We entered the Old Town through the ‘Gate of Dawn’, the last leftover bit of Vilnius’ original defensive wall. A small chapel could be found above the gate, but it was closed to the public.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQY4Xv-QJIw/W6rjSj2qF2I/AAAAAAAALgQ/QpQTZFPy0AIoENtB7wAjNqumt5KUQAZwwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQY4Xv-QJIw/W6rjSj2qF2I/AAAAAAAALgQ/QpQTZFPy0AIoENtB7wAjNqumt5KUQAZwwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01514.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was a photographer's dream to see different types of architecture from the Rennaissance, Baroque to Gothic. I started taking photos as soon as we passed through the entrance arch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIrZlhlcXQo/W6sEtV6PZ1I/AAAAAAAALgw/RCwKtNBQjrEb7MoL4l_YZQLQiw4Pf24AgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIrZlhlcXQo/W6sEtV6PZ1I/AAAAAAAALgw/RCwKtNBQjrEb7MoL4l_YZQLQiw4Pf24AgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We walked through cobbled streets that still bear the sign of the old Jewish quarter. There were so many charming streets and buildings such as the beautiful building of Stikliai Restaurant, and the church tower from a distance.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #404040; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: 0.25pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47hkMLnuSMQ/W6rj7x2eDEI/AAAAAAAALgY/3gyQwYh8o5UHjeicVCVk46UHnP5PDq7zwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47hkMLnuSMQ/W6rj7x2eDEI/AAAAAAAALgY/3gyQwYh8o5UHjeicVCVk46UHnP5PDq7zwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01549.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Streets of&nbsp; STIKLIŲ - M. ANTOKOLSKIO – ŽYDŲ<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CldzYZ2yz5c/W7KNCS_Hf2I/AAAAAAAALkY/V2kfqsIYWYs1ickajMZBgLUPjPNnRA2PgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CldzYZ2yz5c/W7KNCS_Hf2I/AAAAAAAALkY/V2kfqsIYWYs1ickajMZBgLUPjPNnRA2PgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-0860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Church of St. Casimir</div><br />We covered all the highlights of the Old Town including the Vilnius University and the Presidential Palace.<br /><br />I left the group to explore the Gediminas Castle which was behind the Vilnius Cathedral that offered awesome views of the entire Old Town. And across the castle was a tribute to the seven tortured monks. At the foot of the hills for the three Crosses and Gediminas Castle was the Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower. It seemed that all roads in Vilnius lead to the Cathedral Square. There was also a flurry of activities at the Cathedral Square in preparation for the Pope's visit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDy5HZe-xOE/W6u9twFvnAI/AAAAAAAALiY/7snpgb3OGxUqN_iho3NmEVAbDHXycXzLgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDy5HZe-xOE/W6u9twFvnAI/AAAAAAAALiY/7snpgb3OGxUqN_iho3NmEVAbDHXycXzLgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Somehow, I found myself drawn to climbing Bell Towers.&nbsp; I was surprised to find the place empty and glad to have the very narrow stairs all to myself.&nbsp; I took my time taking pictures from the Belfry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sS9xT1b932A/W6vG1oZgkhI/AAAAAAAALi8/EDfvwCIEbVQerx1x1Nat4vcwN6eSvKgpQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sS9xT1b932A/W6vG1oZgkhI/AAAAAAAALi8/EDfvwCIEbVQerx1x1Nat4vcwN6eSvKgpQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01630.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2QWLHI_Ee4/W6vG0TEHDGI/AAAAAAAALi4/7BQgFDt83C0D7kZQd1m3tqXq0dD_npItQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2QWLHI_Ee4/W6vG0TEHDGI/AAAAAAAALi4/7BQgFDt83C0D7kZQd1m3tqXq0dD_npItQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4N-iEIBVMAM/W6vLEwzXIzI/AAAAAAAALjY/gagDSNFSO1obIQlcBs8qmGBFwmHLiD2hACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4N-iEIBVMAM/W6vLEwzXIzI/AAAAAAAALjY/gagDSNFSO1obIQlcBs8qmGBFwmHLiD2hACLcBGAs/s640/DSC01616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srDiY2-jwY0/W6vIVT17obI/AAAAAAAALjM/ofczrtoDSDcvrBePD-PW3EDlTwgebbcoQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srDiY2-jwY0/W6vIVT17obI/AAAAAAAALjM/ofczrtoDSDcvrBePD-PW3EDlTwgebbcoQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>NOTE:</b>&nbsp; All photos by the authorAlice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-58094713653684471652018-09-07T11:38:00.001-07:002018-09-07T11:38:36.057-07:00Acadia National Park: From Shoreline to Summit<br /><br />The Acadia National Park on the coast of Maine had been on my list of National Parks to visit. My original plan was just to hike, I did not plan on doing any other activities like kayaking or swimming, So I thought one day was enough to enjoy the park. However, Acadia National Park has more than 125 hiking trails and a variety of landscapes. People pretty much go to Acadia National Park to enjoy the landscape and the amazing views. I took a short hike and a scenic tour, soaking in the beautiful landscape that included shoreline, woods, lakes, ponds, and granite-domed mountain – the Cadillac mountain.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJQqUhxrwCE/W5IVONVXFWI/AAAAAAAALdE/aPpHtXlSNDgFdtw4ei6XYT-RFJ_aWtcIQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC00590.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJQqUhxrwCE/W5IVONVXFWI/AAAAAAAALdE/aPpHtXlSNDgFdtw4ei6XYT-RFJ_aWtcIQCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC00590.JPG" /></a><br /><br />There were free shuttle buses to the park from Bar Harbor, a quintessential New England coastal town, sandwiched between the ocean and the mountains. I joined eight people on a 12-seater explorer bus. From the National Park entrance, the road climbed through a forested mountain, blanketed with green trees; maple, beech, jack pine, and other hardwood trees. Our driver pointed to the area that was ravaged by fire.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUYfsDVoOsQ/W5IRPtnZSaI/AAAAAAAALb0/x6JQRHuGop8_dGpIoqZRQfXev1DDjnhtwCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B1%2B%25289-6-2018%2B9-48%2BPM%2529.png"><img border="0" height="359" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUYfsDVoOsQ/W5IRPtnZSaI/AAAAAAAALb0/x6JQRHuGop8_dGpIoqZRQfXev1DDjnhtwCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B1%2B%25289-6-2018%2B9-48%2BPM%2529.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The bus then took us along the ocean’s edge past Sand Beach and dropped us at the parking lot near the Schooner Head Overlook. I took a lovely two-hour hike along the shoreline. I did not make that much progress because I stopped a few times to take photos of the natural phenomenon like the ridges of granite rocks crafted by Mother Nature.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5px1vyVoWo/W5IR61BLfrI/AAAAAAAALb8/k1DiAiPx1qUAzbs2M7fZC8ZkZfooCNo3ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00558.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5px1vyVoWo/W5IR61BLfrI/AAAAAAAALb8/k1DiAiPx1qUAzbs2M7fZC8ZkZfooCNo3ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00558.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I hopped on the bus again to go to the Cadillac Mountain. On the way, we passed a wetland and stopped to see a newly formed beaver dam. I was more surprised to see waterlilies. I learned that all classes of wetlands are found within the park. More than half of Maine’s rare plants are found in wetland habitats, and at least one rare plant is found in each Acadia wetland type. They also provide a habitat for a wide range of species.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbfQR32jPAM/W5ISbnpySvI/AAAAAAAALcE/aEYSjmrvXqwXXM8sjRyewrzNt5oMdM_UQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC00540.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbfQR32jPAM/W5ISbnpySvI/AAAAAAAALcE/aEYSjmrvXqwXXM8sjRyewrzNt5oMdM_UQCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC00540.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKnbND0Um_U/W5IScEx9NbI/AAAAAAAALcI/OpXl8LAVqjUEm3bKUE0kHyjTRHTqwVgMgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00541.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKnbND0Um_U/W5IScEx9NbI/AAAAAAAALcI/OpXl8LAVqjUEm3bKUE0kHyjTRHTqwVgMgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00541.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We were told to keep an eye out for moose, black bear, and white-tail deer as we travel through pine forests and past the Jordan Pond House with a beautiful view of the Penobscot Mountains and Bubbles Hill. I did not see any wildlife except for birds. Much of the time, I just enjoyed the peace and the beauty of the wilderness that surrounded us, especially the reflections in still water.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hvzzwQqdM7I/W5ITKaME-aI/AAAAAAAALcc/UtWu-FNgi6Iao2T1gVbTgpOwhq4R3gR1gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00564.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hvzzwQqdM7I/W5ITKaME-aI/AAAAAAAALcc/UtWu-FNgi6Iao2T1gVbTgpOwhq4R3gR1gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00564.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />We were moving slowly along the Park Loop Road when our driver spotted a horse-drawn carriage. He said it was a rare sight to see. Apparently, there are rustic carriage roads in Acadia National Park, constructed by John D. Rockefeller between 1913 and 1940. I just saw the gate and the signage. I learned that Acadia National Park is the only National Park that is entirely made up of donated land.<br /><br />Finally, we reached the Cadillac Mountain. At 1530 feet, Cadillac is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. It’s said that the rising sun touches the slopes of Cadillac Mountain before any other place in the United States. It is one of the more than 20 mountains that rise from the sea and comprise much of the island on which a portion of Acadia National Park is located. These mountains inspired the explorer-navigator Samuel Champlain to name the island Isle des Monts Desert in 1604-the Island of Barren Mountains.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLzByJ6gxqw/W5IUp68pUnI/AAAAAAAALco/BrotD0idYZoJKKuT8wse-fmmIsBOtwiWQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00587.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLzByJ6gxqw/W5IUp68pUnI/AAAAAAAALco/BrotD0idYZoJKKuT8wse-fmmIsBOtwiWQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00587.JPG" /></a><br /><br />There were a couple of walking tracks which produced granite rocks upon granite rocks. Most people go directly to the summit. I took the walking track away from the crowd. It was interesting to see trees like spruce and pitch pine trees that grew between the rocks. I even saw a few berry shrubs.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSLboAqZJ70/W5IVUI1NIFI/AAAAAAAALdA/VTLgoE1rOV4s3i8Lr8h8am7UQjGqNpykwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00599.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSLboAqZJ70/W5IVUI1NIFI/AAAAAAAALdA/VTLgoE1rOV4s3i8Lr8h8am7UQjGqNpykwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00599.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />It was amazing to see the various sized boulders up-close, including the hanging boulder. There was so much to learn about the geological formations like the granites sculpted by glaciers that created the landscape I was seeing.&nbsp; But I did not go there just to learn geology.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uaQUXpYhnqA/W5IVMSnecqI/AAAAAAAALcw/sIQjUIyUiXwwuXYsBgIJEEb0PKN7XkM9QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00591.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uaQUXpYhnqA/W5IVMSnecqI/AAAAAAAALcw/sIQjUIyUiXwwuXYsBgIJEEb0PKN7XkM9QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00591.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-eRzMtpmEI/W5IVOEYsWNI/AAAAAAAALc4/DnECBBZtHBcy0HNeuVLadkIYxCvyOhGHgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00593.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-eRzMtpmEI/W5IVOEYsWNI/AAAAAAAALc4/DnECBBZtHBcy0HNeuVLadkIYxCvyOhGHgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00593.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I worked my way up to the summit to soak in the beautiful weather and the 360-degree view of the forest, Atlantic Ocean, the Schoodic Peninsula, and other islands.&nbsp; It was amazing to look down from on high. There I was, literally and figuratively on top of the world in 'seventh heaven'.<br /><br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jMgYFoq1E58/W5IYoV5Si_I/AAAAAAAALdY/vMjsM62cXToBXQXG0NxH6nxfNNhCpJyEQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00592.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jMgYFoq1E58/W5IYoV5Si_I/AAAAAAAALdY/vMjsM62cXToBXQXG0NxH6nxfNNhCpJyEQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00592.JPG" /></a><br /><br />NOTE:<br /><br />All photos by the author<br /><br /><br />Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-48958714670238889382018-08-30T21:43:00.001-07:002018-09-05T09:54:53.466-07:00Lunenburg, Nova Scotia<br />Lunenburg is a place that I hadn't really heard of until I reached Halifax.&nbsp; Apparently, it's another iconic town in Nova Scotia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - one of the only two urban sites in North America. It lies on the south shore of Nova Scotia, 60 miles from Halifax.&nbsp;<br /><br />The coastal scenery and verdant landscape on the way to Lunenburg were pretty amazing.&nbsp; Green pine Christmas trees covered the roadside. Our bus dropped us off by the harbor, in front of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. So, the first order of business was to visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, which provides the backstory of the town and its hugely significant fishing and maritime history. Among the displays in the museum were tributes to the fishing community and the Mi’kmaq. There were also models of Lunenburg itself and the famous Bluenose. The Bluenose was not in port that day, but I gained a better understanding of what the big excitement about when I saw it in Sydney two days earlier.<br /><br />Lunenburg is home to the Bluenose – a working fishing schooner launched in 1921. After a few months of launch, the vessel was entered in the International Fishermen’s Race and took home her first Fishermen’s Trophy and was undefeated for 17 years. It earned the title of “Queen of the North Atlantic”. It sank in the coast of Haiti. Despite the loss, the legacy lived on in the hearts of Canadians. Bluenose came to symbolize Nova Scotia's prominence in the fishing and shipbuilding industries. Its image can be found on the Canadian dime. In 1963, many of the same people who had worked on the original vessel at the same shipyard in Lunenburg launched Bluenose II, a replica of the original vessel. It continues to serve as Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jehRqzXm978/W4GTe4s3a9I/AAAAAAAALbU/-dyEh4L9p3w2fr9ISi5jrUNy3QNoL9emQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jehRqzXm978/W4GTe4s3a9I/AAAAAAAALbU/-dyEh4L9p3w2fr9ISi5jrUNy3QNoL9emQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00338.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken at the Sydney harbor</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I stopped briefly to view the Theresa E. Connor schooner and to enjoy the view and the beautiful day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQwRdACMl3w/W4GWr3-kuXI/AAAAAAAALbg/KZvju_bJS1U28O_zu7Vl0JZRTvKBV_cBQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQwRdACMl3w/W4GWr3-kuXI/AAAAAAAALbg/KZvju_bJS1U28O_zu7Vl0JZRTvKBV_cBQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00467.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The balance of the day was spent exploring the area overlooking the harbor. It was lined with colorful storefronts and restaurants. I learned that Lunenburg kept its façade unchanged over the decades. Development that would spoil the town’s original character, like hotels, was prohibited. The historical buildings were marked as to when they were built, so it was easy to explore even without a tour guide.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpaLZfl_hGM/W4GQPikJV0I/AAAAAAAALbI/KwL0PwEaDDE-DpGCrjVKUcUjdDPbKGpJACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpaLZfl_hGM/W4GQPikJV0I/AAAAAAAALbI/KwL0PwEaDDE-DpGCrjVKUcUjdDPbKGpJACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00427.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I walked further up the hill to the World War I memorial park and found a few typical white New England churches in the surrounding area. I found St. John Anglican Church the most interesting not only from the exterior, but the wooden interior from the pews to the ceiling.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r8wDnYoFP3A/W4GEkL7ymlI/AAAAAAAALaw/LdaNoanm3qcn7onI0aN_FzNLhJkiejFvwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r8wDnYoFP3A/W4GEkL7ymlI/AAAAAAAALaw/LdaNoanm3qcn7onI0aN_FzNLhJkiejFvwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00440.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I was greeted by three young docents who gave me information about the church. The church was originally built in 1763 and the oldest church in Nova Scotia. The original building burned down in 2001 and was rebuilt and restored to its original form.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MYFBCbSfpDM/W4GH83uylBI/AAAAAAAALa8/EsPv88CFyZQjUCBpDHIcyZ10KZLs01qewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1195" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MYFBCbSfpDM/W4GH83uylBI/AAAAAAAALa8/EsPv88CFyZQjUCBpDHIcyZ10KZLs01qewCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3776.JPG" width="472" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ceiling seemed to have been fashioned from an overturned hull of the ship</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During the rebuilding, a painter discovered stars painted on the dome ceiling. An expert star man determined that it was Perseus, a well-known constellation and appeared to represent sunset before Christmas – as it would have been in Lunenburg on the day the Bible says Christ was born. Another interesting find inside the church was the colorful organ pipes on each side of the sanctuary. There was also a schedule of musical presentations posted by the doorway. I would have loved to attend and hear one of the organ music presentations.</div><br /><br />Not far from Lunenburg was Mahone Bay, another iconic town. I did not have time to explore the town, just a quick coffee stop, and took pictures of the scenic bay and the three churches backdropped by white low-hanging clouds on the horizon. Talk about an idyllic landscape!<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWl_kHA7g3U/W4ECGGNCCOI/AAAAAAAALak/eJk2Xk5hIxgRBJOUJc27Eg35e4THdh8_gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWl_kHA7g3U/W4ECGGNCCOI/AAAAAAAALak/eJk2Xk5hIxgRBJOUJc27Eg35e4THdh8_gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00512.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><h3>NOTE:</h3><div>All photos by the author</div></div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-80091338789102320272018-08-18T21:06:00.000-07:002018-08-18T21:06:57.607-07:00Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia<br />I have at last made it to Peggy’s Cove, a place that I always wanted to visit and photograph. Arguably, the most iconic site in Nova Scotia, Peggy’s Cove is a small picturesque fishing village with a population of less than fifty permanent residents. It’s forty kilometers away from Halifax, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. It features a lighthouse that is perched on a granite rock formation overlooking the Atlantic rolling waves and said to be the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. As a photo enthusiast, I too came prepared with my camera.&nbsp;<br /><br />We set off for Peggy's Cove early in the morning. Our guide told us about the history, rather the story of the place. One version of the story claims that when a schooner was shipwrecked in the area in the 1800’s, there was a sole survivor named Margaret. She married a fisherman from the area, settled in the village and thus became known as “Peggy of the Cove”. The present lighthouse was built in 1914 to replace the old original wooden structure from 1868. Our guide also warned us to take extra precaution when exploring the area and not go behind the lighthouse as visitors could be swept off the rocks by the raging waves, and that there had been at least one accident every year.<br /><br />I was glad to hear the story and warning before we arrived so that by the time we got to Peggy's Cove, I was able to explore the area on my own and start taking pictures. I went straight to the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself was like a postcard that came to life. However, it was swarmed by hundreds of visitors scrambling off the tour buses trying to take a selfie. It was very challenging to take photos with all the people standing around taking pictures or a selfie in front of the lighthouse. I tried to time&nbsp;it when to take pictures without the crowd but the tour buses continued to arrive.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5GPC9K40W8/W3ZYg8AUqFI/AAAAAAAALW8/tf0K3fNjJbIY2uytoFyjYh1VnqILXRrcACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5GPC9K40W8/W3ZYg8AUqFI/AAAAAAAALW8/tf0K3fNjJbIY2uytoFyjYh1VnqILXRrcACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00373.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I tried to move around to take pictures of the lighthouse from a different perspective.&nbsp; In the picture below, for example, I tried a 'forced perspective' technique (the bushes seem taller than they appear) to avoid taking pictures of the people climbing over the rocks around the lighthouse. However, leaving the granite rock formation out from the whole picture is like leaving out an integral part of the Peggy's Cove Lighthouse.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DhnPxa85EI/W3ZWAHucNHI/AAAAAAAALWw/OVctOwwcg7AOrL9meZVHlIKrfkB_KTNWACLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B14%2B%25288-13-2018%2B12-11%2BAM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DhnPxa85EI/W3ZWAHucNHI/AAAAAAAALWw/OVctOwwcg7AOrL9meZVHlIKrfkB_KTNWACLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B14%2B%25288-13-2018%2B12-11%2BAM%2529.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I was in front of an artisan craft store, which happens to be the oldest house (built in 1812) in St. Margaret’s Bay when I took this picture.<br /><br />Disappointed that I was not able to take pictures of the lighthouse without the people, I wandered off and went down the fishing village and the cove. There I found absolute solitude. It was picturesque, but I did not find the cove as impressive as I expected. There were two brightly colored small boats floating in the small inlet fed by the Atlantic water.&nbsp; The whole area looked like a movie set.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3Os9j9qTbA/W3Zd6UX7xTI/AAAAAAAALXQ/DI95GCG-4qAaw9729fw0fEVEP_CYdaqcACLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B3%2B%25288-13-2018%2B12-01%2BAM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S3Os9j9qTbA/W3Zd6UX7xTI/AAAAAAAALXQ/DI95GCG-4qAaw9729fw0fEVEP_CYdaqcACLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B3%2B%25288-13-2018%2B12-01%2BAM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Few colorful houses scattered over the hills of Peggy's Cove</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uh_oo_LN2cs/W3ZeFIi2elI/AAAAAAAALXU/ZylM85Wqj1wxZfXSMSIc-bn8jhBiL6k_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B8%2B%25288-13-2018%2B12-06%2BAM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uh_oo_LN2cs/W3ZeFIi2elI/AAAAAAAALXU/ZylM85Wqj1wxZfXSMSIc-bn8jhBiL6k_ACLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B8%2B%25288-13-2018%2B12-06%2BAM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>One of the houses around Peggy's Cove was actually used as a movie location.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i> <i><br /></i> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdzqw1DeSEQ/W3aQ48OeUUI/AAAAAAAALYM/wJCIzNsz7AAsqGOGIc1akNwQHVncAprkwCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B3%2B%25288-16-2018%2B11-48%2BPM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdzqw1DeSEQ/W3aQ48OeUUI/AAAAAAAALYM/wJCIzNsz7AAsqGOGIc1akNwQHVncAprkwCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B3%2B%25288-16-2018%2B11-48%2BPM%2529.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oPGbZJofjM/W3aQxizS4OI/AAAAAAAALYI/BkpK16GPtvE620xkpiOH6MME1g7DgAAdgCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B1%2B%25288-16-2018%2B11-38%2BPM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oPGbZJofjM/W3aQxizS4OI/AAAAAAAALYI/BkpK16GPtvE620xkpiOH6MME1g7DgAAdgCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B1%2B%25288-16-2018%2B11-38%2BPM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In my meandering, I found this sculpture in the rock. I learned later about the story behind the sculpture and the artist, William E deGarth, whom I had not heard of before. The sculpture is a monument to the Fishermen of Nova Scotia. It depicts thirty-two fishermen, their wives and children and the legendary “Peggy of the Cove” all wrapped in the wings of an angel.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViLPx_o4pSc/W3Zk47ff8YI/AAAAAAAALX8/j_blEiI8AGMkdK1ck4xbL6NREPT3_jdvQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Snapshot%2B7%2B%25288-13-2018%2B12-34%2BAM%2529_Large.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViLPx_o4pSc/W3Zk47ff8YI/AAAAAAAALX8/j_blEiI8AGMkdK1ck4xbL6NREPT3_jdvQCEwYBhgL/s640/Snapshot%2B7%2B%25288-13-2018%2B12-34%2BAM%2529_Large.mp4" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><br />It was past 11:00 am when I returned to the lighthouse area.&nbsp; I stopped inside a two-story building that houses a tiny art gallery/store, gift and souvenir shops, a visitor center, a restaurant and a coffee shop for coffee and to get my passport stamped.&nbsp; After coffee, I went out and realized that the sun was shining brightly over the granite rocks and it was too bright for taking pictures.&nbsp; I gave up on the idea of taking more pictures, I climbed over the rocks around the lighthouse and watched the waves break against the worn-out granite rocks, and hang around enough to admire the beauty of nature and the power of the sea and to understand how such a shipwreck could have happened at this location.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHLGnGW_2Ts/W3ZjuUalK7I/AAAAAAAALXk/meTe3TE5nlQfgy9MiQKSMKzMdAxLl_AngCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B2%2B%25288-13-2018%2B12-00%2BAM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHLGnGW_2Ts/W3ZjuUalK7I/AAAAAAAALXk/meTe3TE5nlQfgy9MiQKSMKzMdAxLl_AngCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B2%2B%25288-13-2018%2B12-00%2BAM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I raised my arms and looked up to thank the Almighty for the beautiful day when I noticed another photogenic scene - the white and red color of the lighthouse in contrast to the blueness of the sky. I could not help but take a photo for the last time. For whatever reason, the attraction of Peggy's Cove Lighthouse is evident by the busload of tourists taking a selfie in front of it.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6P8calk6HE0/W3cRr-B3dBI/AAAAAAAALY0/nrUJOyhjficLaBjZOI1T8dVHedxp_8ZHwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1600" height="364" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6P8calk6HE0/W3cRr-B3dBI/AAAAAAAALY0/nrUJOyhjficLaBjZOI1T8dVHedxp_8ZHwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00396.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>NOTE:</div><div><br /></div><div>All snapshots by the author.</div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-62379536523239431432018-08-12T22:32:00.000-07:002018-08-14T13:06:51.924-07:00Scenic Cape Breton<br />Having been to the beautiful places compared to Cape Bretton by the great Alexander Graham Bell, I had no choice but to see for myself the views that inspired him to say,<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“I have travelled around the globe. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes and the Alps, and the Highlands of Scotland but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all."</blockquote>After a brief introduction to Sydney, the largest city on Cape Breton Island, we followed the Trans-Canada Highway and headed to the most famous part of the drive - the Cabot Trail - to the picturesque towns of Baddeck and Ingonish. There was some amazing scenery including the incredible views of Boulanderie Island, the Seal Island Bridge, and the Great Bras d’Or Channel, St. Ann’s Bay and Kelly’s Mountain. We stopped at a few lookouts to take photos and to take in the amazing views.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7sPzXlbk64/W2-SbmUuYKI/AAAAAAAALUQ/MeN7RoqYj8A6H9nJp_sKydPWJYI1gpQMgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7sPzXlbk64/W2-SbmUuYKI/AAAAAAAALUQ/MeN7RoqYj8A6H9nJp_sKydPWJYI1gpQMgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KS2sbVgHiOg/W2-cuF6Z7mI/AAAAAAAALVI/wPf8hfyFUN4P8A589yQheSGUPpFs2FZMACLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B4%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-26%2BPM%2529%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KS2sbVgHiOg/W2-cuF6Z7mI/AAAAAAAALVI/wPf8hfyFUN4P8A589yQheSGUPpFs2FZMACLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B4%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-26%2BPM%2529%2B%25282%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Upon seeing the Cabot Trail “Welcome” sign, I told our guide that I wanted to take a few short hikes at Cabot Trail just so I could add it to my list of famous hikes. But our guide explained that Cabot Trail is not a hiking trail, but a driving trail. I realized later that you don't have to hike, the incredible scenery would literally keep your adrenaline going.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRDtWcxR6HQ/W2-Tlv8w8fI/AAAAAAAALUc/qYAWlQ-FRHAjUSr_xKLsq7WzlE2ieoOUACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRDtWcxR6HQ/W2-Tlv8w8fI/AAAAAAAALUc/qYAWlQ-FRHAjUSr_xKLsq7WzlE2ieoOUACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><br />When we finally arrived in Baddeck, I asked myself, “But what is there to do on this small outpost of natural wonder?” Not a lot" was my honest answer and liked it that way. I was just happy staring at the clear peaceful bay with the fog rising out of the water from a distance, adding another layer to the landscape of small green mountains and a lighthouse in the middle of the bay. And for someone who travels with a camera hanging around her neck and who has a passion for photography. I did not really take that many pictures. I literally stopped to take in the views, the simple beauty put me in a meditative mood. It was almost spiritual that I began to understand Alexander Graham Bell’s quote and why he spent the last 32 years of his life on that inlet of the lovely Bras d'Or.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CAzJSOl-LXg/W2-dQloTJ2I/AAAAAAAALVU/aXVLcbfr_7g0XBxar0nsMFG2YHdMrMgRgCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B8%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-28%2BPM%2529%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CAzJSOl-LXg/W2-dQloTJ2I/AAAAAAAALVU/aXVLcbfr_7g0XBxar0nsMFG2YHdMrMgRgCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B8%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-28%2BPM%2529%2B%25282%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div>After meditating on the scenery and taking a few pictures, I visited the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and learned about Bell’s many outstanding accomplishments in the fields of medicine, genetics, electricity, sound, and speech, as well as aeronautics and marine engineering. And it was in Baddeck where Alexander Graham Bell expanded from building passenger kites to building airplanes. His Silver Dart flew over Bras d’Or Lake in the first powered flight in Canada, earning Baddeck the title ‘The Birthplace of Aviation in Canada.”<br /><br />Cabot Trail winds through the Cape Bretton Highland National Park with the amazing vista of rugged headlands and sandy beaches. I had the chance to take short walks in the green valley surrounded by&nbsp;pink, white and purple lupines where butterflies in a myriad of colors flit effortlessly on the light onshore breeze. Of course, there were activities with nautical flavor like fishing, boating, and swimming.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qeo7XbVB25o/W2-mti5VobI/AAAAAAAALWU/qeVLqQ92GOob0oOCL4ERANIvUOauM-04gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qeo7XbVB25o/W2-mti5VobI/AAAAAAAALWU/qeVLqQ92GOob0oOCL4ERANIvUOauM-04gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The importance of the Atlantic Sea saltwater and the lakes and ponds freshwater was evident in the regions restaurant tables. It was easy to find fish and chips (cod), shrimps and lobster on the restaurant’s menu.</div><div><br /></div><div>PHOTO GALLERY</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-mKcaau-80/W2-OXN0d86I/AAAAAAAALUE/-GSXh3NvmO4b2HI7BIGTsqADRna_1tFUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Seal%2BBridge%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-mKcaau-80/W2-OXN0d86I/AAAAAAAALUE/-GSXh3NvmO4b2HI7BIGTsqADRna_1tFUQCLcBGAs/s640/Seal%2BBridge%2B%25282%2529.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Seal Island Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-618BMSlU7sw/W2-W4nkBPYI/AAAAAAAALUo/J2OhA8KjBrIYA1i6eXch2P-kCVseV9HtwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-618BMSlU7sw/W2-W4nkBPYI/AAAAAAAALUo/J2OhA8KjBrIYA1i6eXch2P-kCVseV9HtwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00237.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ru0Ricgq7Yk/W2-W8MYTglI/AAAAAAAALUs/sZp4lrzHtzUEeLIVvzWbSLP2USQPjx0bACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ru0Ricgq7Yk/W2-W8MYTglI/AAAAAAAALUs/sZp4lrzHtzUEeLIVvzWbSLP2USQPjx0bACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0exjqPTZs8/W2-W-56weKI/AAAAAAAALUw/TCXq2RaixpckBGTcmEnpFD5kSl4ZpVFdACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0exjqPTZs8/W2-W-56weKI/AAAAAAAALUw/TCXq2RaixpckBGTcmEnpFD5kSl4ZpVFdACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REJ11DTWdkk/W2-XJ8PDerI/AAAAAAAALU0/l9YllwdXIV0RDfRl40cCauixu5tPYxjFACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REJ11DTWdkk/W2-XJ8PDerI/AAAAAAAALU0/l9YllwdXIV0RDfRl40cCauixu5tPYxjFACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVeOy7Z8xB0/W2-gWuFcY6I/AAAAAAAALVg/iCh7RDcDi4we183YQ9A8ikq4qzzlBGHwwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVeOy7Z8xB0/W2-gWuFcY6I/AAAAAAAALVg/iCh7RDcDi4we183YQ9A8ikq4qzzlBGHwwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00277.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6Su7tHN3Ok/W2-knQNuVPI/AAAAAAAALVw/7U-Oz05NTVECg8rlqm8GdEQPha5GI2-lQCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B2%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-24%2BPM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6Su7tHN3Ok/W2-knQNuVPI/AAAAAAAALVw/7U-Oz05NTVECg8rlqm8GdEQPha5GI2-lQCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B2%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-24%2BPM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiEn4wetqHg/W2-ly8qHVtI/AAAAAAAALWA/mGXhwgsO4mUNavs7B-QF6jOjnHrqceagwCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B15%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-59%2BPM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiEn4wetqHg/W2-ly8qHVtI/AAAAAAAALWA/mGXhwgsO4mUNavs7B-QF6jOjnHrqceagwCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B15%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-59%2BPM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RjNhjuAESr4/W2-l-c7bFpI/AAAAAAAALWE/AdWLyx29Nv0ZoY8f8uerxgJFv39_8So0wCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B13%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-57%2BPM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RjNhjuAESr4/W2-l-c7bFpI/AAAAAAAALWE/AdWLyx29Nv0ZoY8f8uerxgJFv39_8So0wCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B13%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-57%2BPM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4nYaOQBdf78/W2-nb-4VZrI/AAAAAAAALWc/ezS8L4ja8nst_3eKIn3zShX_Z70VSOx4gCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B6%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-28%2BPM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4nYaOQBdf78/W2-nb-4VZrI/AAAAAAAALWc/ezS8L4ja8nst_3eKIn3zShX_Z70VSOx4gCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B6%2B%25288-11-2018%2B7-28%2BPM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dM5oFLeLesU/W2-npq8-87I/AAAAAAAALWg/AccVOy2wR04EAnDj1tLM5gkzca6a-NzUACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dM5oFLeLesU/W2-npq8-87I/AAAAAAAALWg/AccVOy2wR04EAnDj1tLM5gkzca6a-NzUACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00313.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>NOTE:</div><div><br /></div><div>All photos by the author<br /><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #646363; font-family: &quot;calibri&quot; , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div></div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-266478239640334462018-08-04T09:31:00.000-07:002018-08-04T09:31:01.357-07:00Anne of Green Gables' Prince Edward IslandI was walking the Balsam Hollow trail when deep in the forest, I heard bird songs in concert with the sound of rushing waters. I stopped at the tiny bridge to listen to the sound of the rushing waters and admire the streak of sunlight reflected on the water under the giant trees when a girl with long red hair and wearing a dull-grayish puff sleeve dress with a cream-colored apron came skipping through the trees. She was holding a wicker basket covered with an embroidered cloth. “I’m off to the Lake of Shining Waters,” she said. “Wait, Anne, wait,” I shouted after her, “Can I come with you.”<br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nX_OOwyDgTI/W2SbzsIPahI/AAAAAAAALSE/exAbdmKZB_kty5GV1TbFkTFxo9F3N6c-gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nX_OOwyDgTI/W2SbzsIPahI/AAAAAAAALSE/exAbdmKZB_kty5GV1TbFkTFxo9F3N6c-gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00136.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Balsam Hollow Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>Ok, that was a stretch. The Anne part didn’t really happen. But where I was standing it could easily have happened. I imagined my favorite character in the book, “Anne of Green Gables” describing to me in flowery words the places and things I was seeing. With her passion for beautiful places, she would have been a great tour guide. Ever since I read the book (ok I read it more than a couple of times as a young adult) and watched the TV series, I had always dreamt of visiting Prince Edward Island. So, it’s hard to separate the real from fiction when you’re touring the landscape that Anne made memorable like the Haunted Wood, Lover’s Lane, the Birch Path, and the Lake of Shining Waters.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pCSO0KySUXw/W2Sahly-ccI/AAAAAAAALR0/-A5KXjrT0CwWTuwtPNuX0VpCBBEHYKx_wCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B1%2B%25288-1-2018%2B8-49%2BPM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pCSO0KySUXw/W2Sahly-ccI/AAAAAAAALR0/-A5KXjrT0CwWTuwtPNuX0VpCBBEHYKx_wCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B1%2B%25288-1-2018%2B8-49%2BPM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snapshot of the film I took of the creek with a streak of sunlight reflected on the water</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Today, Green Gables Heritage Place is one of the most popular tourist attractions in PEI. The setting for Lucy M. Montgomery book comprised of the farmhouse, a white shingled house with green shutters perched on a small hill; a barn; trails that lead to the Haunted Wood, Lovers Lane, Balsam Hollow. Tourists were in line to go inside the farmhouse and it was challenging to get photos with all the people, so I took the trail in front of the house that leads to the ‘Haunted Woods’ first. I then went to enjoy the gardens surrounding the house before going into the house.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnOF_H0wesU/W2Sch9EvAGI/AAAAAAAALSQ/joQwOv3moT4dn_os6o4Q9J3Md5n9BRP8wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnOF_H0wesU/W2Sch9EvAGI/AAAAAAAALSQ/joQwOv3moT4dn_os6o4Q9J3Md5n9BRP8wCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00146.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MacNeils, Lucy M. Montgomery's cousin's house - the author inspiration for her book</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I was surprised to see the house inside, it was smaller than I expected. Perhaps it was the dark wallpaper pattern that made the rooms look smaller. There was a parlor with photographs and a shiny stove (not originally in the house, but placed in the house to reflect the era, according to the docent). Upstairs I found a series of bedrooms. One with a sprigged wallpaper and clothes left in a heap, designated as Anne’s.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvfD_2Th1wo/W2SdEzrIgDI/AAAAAAAALSc/pE-e-DuNihILKOq4u_mtKkaDG9yP0b-GwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvfD_2Th1wo/W2SdEzrIgDI/AAAAAAAALSc/pE-e-DuNihILKOq4u_mtKkaDG9yP0b-GwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As an outdoorsy person, I finished walking the Lover's Lane and Balsam Hollow trails at the back of the farmhouse. The end of the trail brought me back to the present-day era – there was a golf course. As I emerged from the forested trail the sound of nature was drowned by the noise of tractors cutting grass and the construction noise near the parking area.</div><div><br /></div><div>Green Gables may be the heart of Cavendish, but the drive around the island was captivating. Beautiful pink and purple lupines covered the roadsides. Minutes away from the National Park entrance, we reached Cavendish Beach, a rust-colored sandy beach with beautiful red sandstone formations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0hV3Py6ckM/W2SdeCCB1LI/AAAAAAAALSk/Qvxi_h8zjTgEUdg_4_JJ-SQtPEpvdW9oQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0hV3Py6ckM/W2SdeCCB1LI/AAAAAAAALSk/Qvxi_h8zjTgEUdg_4_JJ-SQtPEpvdW9oQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, Prince Edward Island is famous for three things: tourism (thanks to its famed author Lucy M. Montgomery, farming (biggest potato producer), fishing (PEI mussels).&nbsp; We stopped at a fishing village, but instead of focusing my camera on the shore, I was fascinated by the Osprey birds nesting on top of a powerline post.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prntXofK-24/W2SedR_wKsI/AAAAAAAALSw/j9UhmmQqMAYOnyBRMfyuzE7XXJPHZQU1ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prntXofK-24/W2SedR_wKsI/AAAAAAAALSw/j9UhmmQqMAYOnyBRMfyuzE7XXJPHZQU1ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was not until our return to the city that our driver stopped to point out the most scenic part of the drive: a pastoral landscape dotted with farmhouses.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAJ8G9Ck-K0/W2SjXcu8JXI/AAAAAAAALTc/SkNtezFfTPIBoFUw9OAPOH903HLx_h3rgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAJ8G9Ck-K0/W2SjXcu8JXI/AAAAAAAALTc/SkNtezFfTPIBoFUw9OAPOH903HLx_h3rgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00150.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, we made it back to Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island. The city was lined with historic buildings and dotted with century old churches.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pc4ML3iH-I/W2SfRXfHGRI/AAAAAAAALS8/VrWM6-FmqMsuUcKcOsRkU-dhlwf8h9PsACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pc4ML3iH-I/W2SfRXfHGRI/AAAAAAAALS8/VrWM6-FmqMsuUcKcOsRkU-dhlwf8h9PsACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00174.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Paul&nbsp; Anglican Church</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe1SwJOdpbI/W2SfmWI1rtI/AAAAAAAALTE/BXRjHdWVGAsPq5Ekkb7IaBt0EMELQQXvACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe1SwJOdpbI/W2SfmWI1rtI/AAAAAAAALTE/BXRjHdWVGAsPq5Ekkb7IaBt0EMELQQXvACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00182.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Dunstan Basilica</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It had a small-town vibe that it was very pleasant to walk around the city, especially on a warm relaxing summer day. There were a museum and a small theater running what else, but “Anne of Green Gables" play.&nbsp; I stopped at Canada’s number one ice-cream place, consumed my ice-cream before having a lunch of lobster roll.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I was walking the boat-filled waterfront when I saw a small ‘hole in the wall eating area" rather a lobster shack in the water and hard to reach. I had to take a sharp incline ramp to reach it. But it was worth the challenge because it offered the best lobster roll in town – no frills, just fresh lobster.&nbsp; After taking my order, I realized I was short on Canadian dollars to pay for my lobster roll. However, the lady at the counter said, "It's okay, I own the place." I finally found some loose change to pay for the whole price. I wish I took a picture of the place because I highly recommend it not because the owner was so kind to give me the lobster roll even if I did not have enough money to pay for it, but it’s simply the best for a lobster roll.&nbsp; Or maybe that was the secret of Prince Edward Island, you have to discover it yourself.&nbsp; Finding the landscape that Anne described and finding someone with a <i>kindred</i> <i>spirit</i> complete my trip to Prince Edward Island.</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHNzoouiQfg/W2ShayADnrI/AAAAAAAALTQ/9qbbfM3ICAk_BFjuYDMXZK0kbpa67R-zgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHNzoouiQfg/W2ShayADnrI/AAAAAAAALTQ/9qbbfM3ICAk_BFjuYDMXZK0kbpa67R-zgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>NOTE:</div><div><br /></div><div>All photos by the author</div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-5195479106050475742018-07-27T22:33:00.002-07:002018-08-07T11:00:25.110-07:00Québec City: A Culinary Tour<div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;">Quebec City is like a fairy-tale landscape with a castle, Le Chateau Frontenac, that stands impressively on top of the hill with fortified walls. This best-known landmark of Quebec is part of the Historic District of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is made up of two parts: The Upper Town, sitting atop Cap Diamant with fortified ramparts, a citadel, and other battlefield grounds, and the Lower Town, which is around the area of Place Royale and the harbor.&nbsp; And it was down at sea level, Lower Town, where we began our culinary tour.</div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;"><br /></div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ktAR5XQUTY/W1vCVBW6tTI/AAAAAAAALPE/lXJ9HNbnEO8TYY2yvU-HtkMTuFa63-KAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG-4171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1242" height="632" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ktAR5XQUTY/W1vCVBW6tTI/AAAAAAAALPE/lXJ9HNbnEO8TYY2yvU-HtkMTuFa63-KAQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG-4171.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Prior to the organized culinary tour, I wandered through the Marché du Vieux-Port -- the city’s wonderful farmers' market, where I found the freshest vegetables and the reddest strawberries.</div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;"><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zdMI-ijlTMg/W1v1HGeji6I/AAAAAAAALQQ/fjj1KwCbAh09TwFVJw3viP3JU1by0NFeQCLcBGAs/s1600/87AF3593-F4F3-4CC6-BC2E-C5B13F15A535%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zdMI-ijlTMg/W1v1HGeji6I/AAAAAAAALQQ/fjj1KwCbAh09TwFVJw3viP3JU1by0NFeQCLcBGAs/s640/87AF3593-F4F3-4CC6-BC2E-C5B13F15A535%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;">Little did I know that the culinary tour would start at the Marché du Vieux-Port or I should have known because “Good cooking starts with good ingredients.”&nbsp; Our culinary guide explained&nbsp;that the strawberries and fresh vegetables come from Ile d'Orleans, and vendors come from all over Quebec to sell cheese, sausages and other delectable farm-to-market treats.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3E1B6C5FTVM/W1vDfR2hyJI/AAAAAAAALPQ/pWcLN7QONI4bKhqwqcrzaVx00SXZRzr7ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3E1B6C5FTVM/W1vDfR2hyJI/AAAAAAAALPQ/pWcLN7QONI4bKhqwqcrzaVx00SXZRzr7ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Smoked and peppered mackerel</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was at Les Canardises where I tasted the different types of foie-gras from the least to the most expensive: rillettes, terrines, mouse, and foie-gras. Our host at Les Canardises described how their foie-gras are made the traditional way, from the French countryside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_dxfiw3HA0/W1v17HIq85I/AAAAAAAALQc/OIU_1Ewi1r40OYMWio2eE5aBFDlMme6HgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_dxfiw3HA0/W1v17HIq85I/AAAAAAAALQc/OIU_1Ewi1r40OYMWio2eE5aBFDlMme6HgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;"><br /></div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;">We continued to explore some of Quebec’s historic neighborhood before going to our next culinary stop. It was interesting to see a portion of Québec City's architecture seemingly stopped in time, combined with the growth and construction of contemporary buildings. Numerous buildings, churches, and homes made of stone, still stand today in all their vintage elegance.&nbsp;</div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZDfUStQLM8/W1u-4_Is3EI/AAAAAAAALO4/4pMp5JzRqUsPn4_1WY6q_LtmdqmK28GrgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZDfUStQLM8/W1u-4_Is3EI/AAAAAAAALO4/4pMp5JzRqUsPn4_1WY6q_LtmdqmK28GrgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The&nbsp; brick walls and century-old oven and fireplace remain intact from this burned-out building</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2d-xEt4Y0-c/W1v_j7QAh1I/AAAAAAAALRA/8n9BTgjb7OU45MwQuzlyoqWs0KpLNqhXQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2d-xEt4Y0-c/W1v_j7QAh1I/AAAAAAAALRA/8n9BTgjb7OU45MwQuzlyoqWs0KpLNqhXQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;">Our second culinary stop was at Tavern Chez Louise, an atmospheric restaurant with stone walls, open kitchen, and a bar with the expansive wine list. The chef prepared small bites for us that were not on their regular menu. We sampled a delicate tasting ‘grouper and smelt fish terrine with mustard seeds’ paired with a locally produced white wine – Domaine Bel-Chas.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gVsfpUmH1A/W2nYwyxgZLI/AAAAAAAALTw/Aq-pE9zlGKAv-ftxgY27mkzQWKOYjWu_QCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B3%2B%25288-7-2018%2B10-33%2BAM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gVsfpUmH1A/W2nYwyxgZLI/AAAAAAAALTw/Aq-pE9zlGKAv-ftxgY27mkzQWKOYjWu_QCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B3%2B%25288-7-2018%2B10-33%2BAM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;">We wandered through the streets crammed with churches, manor houses, museums and galleries, souvenir shops, elegant restaurants and inviting eateries before heading to Le Côtes à Côtes Resto-Grill, located in a building filled with history. Our host brought us some maple flavored dark beer, Fish n'Chips Mini Pogo w/ bacon and lemoned mayo to start with before bringing the house specialty:&nbsp; Wing’s Style Duck Drumsticks BBQ w/ maple sauce, which was slowly cooked in duck fat and spices for eight hours and deep-fried to get that ‘wing crunchiness’. The duck drumstick was paired with local dark beer.<br /><br /></div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5uM0ruzLeQg/W1vPBk6AUMI/AAAAAAAALPc/XmeTZjuJVxAucu417i4ImdG2VQWMk0vYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B8%2B%25287-27-2018%2B6-59%2BPM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5uM0ruzLeQg/W1vPBk6AUMI/AAAAAAAALPc/XmeTZjuJVxAucu417i4ImdG2VQWMk0vYwCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B8%2B%25287-27-2018%2B6-59%2BPM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;">We finished off with their own version of poutine and listened to our host talked about the history of the place where it was built by a rich landowner, the building was damaged by fire and cannon balls during the British conquest, rebuilt and became one of the first inns of the Place Royale in 1698.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Buxso3H3ER8/W1wAAZcx32I/AAAAAAAALRI/TAfFZ2xEDA0Qb8TfVa-8OVMfj4tfiTABgCLcBGAs/s1600/74D01D7E-4A65-4AE2-837D-116310FA7CE8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Buxso3H3ER8/W1wAAZcx32I/AAAAAAAALRI/TAfFZ2xEDA0Qb8TfVa-8OVMfj4tfiTABgCLcBGAs/s640/74D01D7E-4A65-4AE2-837D-116310FA7CE8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />After consuming a heavy meal at Le Cotes a Cotes, it was time to take on the cobblestone streets of Quartier Petit Champlain. While the Chateau Frontenac loomed in the background, and the quaint streets were lined with stone building façades and pretty flower baskets, the crowd took away the fairy-tale atmosphere and took me back to the 21st century. The Quartier was very lively with street musicians, and the young crowd filling the tables of restaurants and bars.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1KvgQ5HNm0/W1wFV5mtcEI/AAAAAAAALRU/naLnMYR--E8oe-nYgn3O0Zc60x3_oJD4QCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B3%2B%25287-27-2018%2B10-52%2BPM%2529%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="354" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1KvgQ5HNm0/W1wFV5mtcEI/AAAAAAAALRU/naLnMYR--E8oe-nYgn3O0Zc60x3_oJD4QCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B3%2B%25287-27-2018%2B10-52%2BPM%2529%2B%25282%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;">Joining the crowd at Rue de Petit-Champlain (perhaps the most popular street in Quebec), we headed to&nbsp;Cidrérie Pedneault to taste the marvelous iced cider said to be made from apples that ripen on trees planted in 1918 on the ancestral land owned by the Pedneault family.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayPyiFYFDto/W1vPwtLTXMI/AAAAAAAALPw/9T8za6gyNaQEdvbXTvLzyRPeBm2hvDt2QCLcBGAs/s1600/Snapshot%2B4%2B%25287-27-2018%2B6-54%2BPM%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="458" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayPyiFYFDto/W1vPwtLTXMI/AAAAAAAALPw/9T8za6gyNaQEdvbXTvLzyRPeBm2hvDt2QCLcBGAs/s640/Snapshot%2B4%2B%25287-27-2018%2B6-54%2BPM%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Not far from Cidrérie Pedneault was Petite Cabane à Sucre (Little Sugar Shack) where we watched a sugar-fairy turned a maple syrup into maple taffy.&nbsp; What a better way to end a culinary tour than to savor a true Quebecois treat.<br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="display: none; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt;">Bottom of Form<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Av5kcfOJ94/W1vRpSjiviI/AAAAAAAALQA/PX5yrEQSa7I4WWjkMWkpizCwsdWFupLEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Av5kcfOJ94/W1vRpSjiviI/AAAAAAAALQA/PX5yrEQSa7I4WWjkMWkpizCwsdWFupLEQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3622.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Before the Culinary tour, I began my day exploring the Upper Town. It’s easy to let one’s imagination run wild in the fairy-tale setting of Le Chateau Frontenac. I was ready to hear the story about the princesses who used to live in the castle, but the biggest surprise was to learn that the chateau was originally built as a hotel for the Canadian Pacific Railway to promote luxury tourism.&nbsp; It is now operated by the Fairmont Hotel.&nbsp; The fairy-tale landscape continued as I strolled along the Dufferin Terrace just outside the castle, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Ile d’Orleans, and the Laurentian Mountains, and walked across the hotel to the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and quaint shops and restaurants.<br /><div style="border: none; padding: 1pt 0in 0in;"><br /></div><div style="border: none; padding: 1pt 0in 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nN-Gw__cCts/W1v3uVbIZaI/AAAAAAAALQo/vLyhZfbg8ekyvPBETfSxCJ5e0f4Yi2W_wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nN-Gw__cCts/W1v3uVbIZaI/AAAAAAAALQo/vLyhZfbg8ekyvPBETfSxCJ5e0f4Yi2W_wCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="border: none; padding: 1pt 0in 0in;"><br /></div><div style="border: none; padding: 1pt 0in 0in;">On the way to the National Battlefields Park or the Plains of Abraham, the site of the historic battle where the French surrendered to the British, we passed some tents and an outdoor concert stage where for ten days, the city was celebrating its annual summer festival ‘Festival d’éte de Quebec’.&nbsp;I got a quick history lesson through the eyes of a local guide as we descended the hill and headed back to the Parliament building and visited more historical places like the armory, Place George-V park and ended in a wide boulevard passing through St. Louis Gate. The Grand-Allee was lined with trendy shops, sidewalk cafes and restaurants. The end of the street seemed to be the center of the summer festival or beer festival as it was lined with beer tents. After a five-minute bus ride through the Grand-Allee, I found it hard to believe that I was in the heart of a bustling European city...rather, Canadian city.<br /><br /><br /></div>NOTE:<br /><br />All snapshots by the author</div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-20003123681126523702018-07-19T12:07:00.000-07:002018-07-20T10:00:36.858-07:00Montreal: Lost in the JazzI arrived in Montreal late Thursday night and checked into my hotel after 12:00am. I walked into an elevator full of musicians, each holding a musical instrument. They obviously knew each other and got off the same floor – one floor below me - except for the one guy who apologized for holding up the elevator. He said he was just saying Goodnight to his friends. Guess what I saw and heard when I turned on the TV? It dawned on me that I just had an elevator ride with one of the famous bands that had a hit song in the ‘90s, the name of the band was mentioned in the news relative to the cost of concert tickets. My trip to Montreal coincided with the biggest Jazz Festival in the world – The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal. The hotel that I stayed in was in the Complexe Desjardins mall downtown, the core of the festival.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QwaQqT1n8j8/W1F940UdhtI/AAAAAAAALM4/TcfJME2Fne4DaveIjU6YA0_SReIeeh5IQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QwaQqT1n8j8/W1F940UdhtI/AAAAAAAALM4/TcfJME2Fne4DaveIjU6YA0_SReIeeh5IQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09851.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It was past 9:00am when I stepped out of the hotel to explore the city when I noticed lots of people walking in front of the Jardin complexes, towards the stage behind me, there was another stage in front of me and another one two blocks away, enclosed in an area closed off to traffic.&nbsp; I walked through the streets following the direction that the hotel concierge gave me to find the Hop-on-Hop-off bus stop. As a side note: when visiting a city for the first time, I’d like to hop on a Hop-on-Hop-off bus to familiarize myself and survey the place and decide later where and how to get to a point of interest that I want to spend time in. The Hop-on-Hop-off bus stop was supposed to be three blocks away from my hotel. I waited in the area that the hotel concierge directed me to go, but there was no bus. Thinking that I was not in the right place, I walked farther. I walked the grounds of the Quartier des Spectacles, reached McGill University and kept going back and forth to the bus stop.&nbsp; Finally, I went to the nearby hotel to ask for direction. They gave me a map with the time schedule. It was only then I realized that the hop-on-hop-off schedule was between 10am-4pm. By the time I hopped on the bus, I was already familiar with the Quartier des Spectacles surrounding area&nbsp;that the guide was narrating about.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not far from McGill University we passed the Museum of Fine Arts. A beautiful modern glass sculpture could be found just outside the museum, which the guide described as a Chihuly glass sculpture that cost the art commission millions. Another piece of art found outside the museum was a totem pole – called Residential School Totem Pole – that tells the story of how the carver, Joseph, found himself again after surviving the horrors of a residential school in the area.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to get off the bus at St. Joseph Oratory when I saw a massive ground and hundreds step leading to the main basilica. I figured it would be a great opportunity to get my work out for the day while exploring the whole place at the same time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xsODnxv4s6o/W1GAJnbE4HI/AAAAAAAALNM/VqeXFTHhiwUJkOxtWYGs3BSGXJQBrQpMgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xsODnxv4s6o/W1GAJnbE4HI/AAAAAAAALNM/VqeXFTHhiwUJkOxtWYGs3BSGXJQBrQpMgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The next stop was the Mont Royal Park, where I got off and walked for a couple of miles to the lake and the lookout area with a spectacular view of the city.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcSQxt5MVvg/W1GBJX7G62I/AAAAAAAALNY/RnGsJZozPW883ls4Q_ODQaAJRkwmPYG_ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcSQxt5MVvg/W1GBJX7G62I/AAAAAAAALNY/RnGsJZozPW883ls4Q_ODQaAJRkwmPYG_ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC09811.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ7OsXZtMgw/W1GCMMQR3TI/AAAAAAAALNk/T5RCx4jDVOgwHCyEC1yevsqMNCuD_hZswCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ7OsXZtMgw/W1GCMMQR3TI/AAAAAAAALNk/T5RCx4jDVOgwHCyEC1yevsqMNCuD_hZswCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was almost four when we reached the final bus stop, so I had to transfer to the last Hop-on-Hop-off bus to return to my original destination. I did not get off the bus, only listened to the guide narration as we passed some points of interest like the Notre-Dame Basilica, Place D’Armes, Place Jacques Cartier, the Gay Village, and a park where another type of festival was going on: the circus festival. Our guide announced that we could go and watch some circus acts at 7:00pm for free.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Walking back to my hotel, I passed stalls selling tickets to multiple concert and venues hosting shows. But there were free musical programs taking place across different stages. I wanted to grab a quick bite from the many food courts and restaurants connected to the underground mall but got distracted by the music performance taking place inside the Complexe Desjardins mall. Instead, I stopped and listened to a couple of songs before going up to my hotel room. After freshening up, I went out and followed the crowd toward the direction of the big stage where young musicians started to perform. I went to sit and ordered some snacks and drink at a pop-up bar and watched a succession of young performers performed for younger audiences, families and all music lovers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnKKJmRFVPA/W1GDFDRdJHI/AAAAAAAALNw/z1gcTAcLx5UGBbpykRSNU3Rrj3ZPtWH9gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnKKJmRFVPA/W1GDFDRdJHI/AAAAAAAALNw/z1gcTAcLx5UGBbpykRSNU3Rrj3ZPtWH9gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09845.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Later that evening, I did not have to go outside the hotel to watch another performance. There was a bar outside the hotel terrace looking over the core stage of the jazz festival. I watched the whole performance that featured Hannah Williams in the comfort of the hotel terrace. I had a great view of the enormous’ Place des Festivals’ where I saw the crowds fill up the stairs by the fountains and sculptures of Place des Arts and the Montreal Contemporary Arts Museum. Behind Place des Arts was the Promenade des Artistes, a narrow stretch of street and public space linking Quartier des Spectacles.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The following morning, I wanted to get an early start and explore the Old Town and do my workout routine (walking) at the same time. I was told that it was a 10-minute walk from the hotel. I headed down St. Catherine Street that was closed off to traffic, it was lined with food trucks, pop-up bars, and merchandise vendors. I missed the wrong turn and ended in the area with blocks and blocks of hanging colorful balls. I found out later that it was the Gay Village<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69PiIg0cpTE/W1F-mNMsOtI/AAAAAAAALNA/jT3I-4sZD_oxT7s9xBQuWXoRQjgV-hyPACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69PiIg0cpTE/W1F-mNMsOtI/AAAAAAAALNA/jT3I-4sZD_oxT7s9xBQuWXoRQjgV-hyPACLcBGAs/s640/DSC09864.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I thought that following the direction to the old Church steeple would lead me to the Old Town, but it led me to the Latin Quarter. Needless to say, I was lost again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45butwfWzno/W1IStSIqwiI/AAAAAAAALOg/uT27BHtB-Uweci6ESGsxDmpiGC3tt05dQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45butwfWzno/W1IStSIqwiI/AAAAAAAALOg/uT27BHtB-Uweci6ESGsxDmpiGC3tt05dQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I was literally doing a walking tour of the city on my own, passing China Town, Palace the Congress.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpWpL7nczGo/W1GEBnE1fFI/AAAAAAAALN8/rD0f-rYk0oc_TvOWtJZ_jOsRaINiSyS_ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpWpL7nczGo/W1GEBnE1fFI/AAAAAAAALN8/rD0f-rYk0oc_TvOWtJZ_jOsRaINiSyS_ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC09873.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I arrived at the magnificent splendor or the Notre-Dame Basilica, the landmark of Old Town Montreal. Typical of a big tourist attraction, I found musicians, street performers and lots of tourists at the Notre-Dame Basilica plaza.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDXxkb-9OII/W1IGPJAgW7I/AAAAAAAALOU/rWKqQxCCqu02cDEztVTp528iUhxHH5OFQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDXxkb-9OII/W1IGPJAgW7I/AAAAAAAALOU/rWKqQxCCqu02cDEztVTp528iUhxHH5OFQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09885.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />In my travels, I always try to visit a famous religious structure or church for it was inside a religious structure where I saw some of the most amazing works of art. Most of the big churches in a big city normally open to the public, but when I tried to make my way to go inside, I noticed a long line. I had to get in line and pay $6.00 to go inside and see “Aura”, an innovative art project that literally sheds light to the history and architecture of the Basilica as well as the art that can be found within its walls. It was truly spectacular, and unexpected, to see the light and the work of art and architecture and to hear the orchestral music. I was not only captivated by this unique ‘luminous experience’ inside the church, but by the city of arts and culture.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMf27k-a_nY/W1GFGlOP5nI/AAAAAAAALOI/uIOKIX7m8yorY12pTNyXRTgD7VmvEmNCACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMf27k-a_nY/W1GFGlOP5nI/AAAAAAAALOI/uIOKIX7m8yorY12pTNyXRTgD7VmvEmNCACLcBGAs/s640/DSC09899.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ze8932VCQT4" width="510"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">NOTE:</h3><div style="text-align: left;">All photos by the author</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-11976298568904610552018-07-06T21:06:00.000-07:002018-07-06T21:06:54.344-07:00Alaska: Port of Call Skagway<br /><h2><span style="background-color: #f9f9ef; color: #4a4a4b; font-family: &quot;segoe ui&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;verdana&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Skagway</span></h2>The &nbsp;tiny town of Skagway is a very popular port of call for cruise ships. Its main draw is its historical district of about 100 buildings from the gold rush era and the White Pass and Yukon Route that runs its narrow-gauge train during the summer months, mainly for tourists.<br /><br />Instead of taking the most popular White Pass Train Ride, we opted for the bus tour to the White Pass and Yukon territory because I thought it would provide lots of opportunities for pictures. We drove through the Klondike Highway, which paralleled much of the Gold Rush Trail of 1898. We saw an amazing panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, famous waterfalls like the Pitchfork Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and many other smaller waterfalls, historical places like the Moore Creek Bridge, and views of the White Pass &amp; Yukon Railroad along the route.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auj9QGoPhOA/WzhXTW4tNHI/AAAAAAAALKw/n8KbSWNIITcWfEm0w_hCcGMivmGOhsuxACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auj9QGoPhOA/WzhXTW4tNHI/AAAAAAAALKw/n8KbSWNIITcWfEm0w_hCcGMivmGOhsuxACLcBGAs/s640/DSC09098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Our driver/guide did a great job of retelling the history of the Gold Rush, how stampeders or prospectors struggled to climb the trail carrying tons of goods during the winter. The trail became clogged with mud during the wet fall of 1897, making the trail virtually impassable. People and their pack animals were stuck along the trail and many ran out of supplies. It is estimated that 3000 horses died along that trail that the trail earned the name “the Dead Horse Trail”. This tragedy led to the development of a wagon road followed later by the construction of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-81j0WzWdfXk/WzhXvxwHEcI/AAAAAAAALK4/3-Ip808iTaQ6Va2yH9fY0rc7rk-g9-yNwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-81j0WzWdfXk/WzhXvxwHEcI/AAAAAAAALK4/3-Ip808iTaQ6Va2yH9fY0rc7rk-g9-yNwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We drove through never-ending breathtaking scenery, views of the alpine tundra of the “Tormented Valley” with its icy lake before our first photo stop at the Summit Lake with the unique rock piles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8MpZq6krDyk/WzhUwKqC-pI/AAAAAAAALKY/ANKh7Gp13t821NY9MTe83qjjbtkzcBcXQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8MpZq6krDyk/WzhUwKqC-pI/AAAAAAAALKY/ANKh7Gp13t821NY9MTe83qjjbtkzcBcXQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Our guide was very good at pointing out how the type of trees and scenery changed as our elevation changed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ve_kXXiuvw/WzhjktvREqI/AAAAAAAALLo/ZOYfYW0nb8ABpD9NfuAQUHuK8geSpH87wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ve_kXXiuvw/WzhjktvREqI/AAAAAAAALLo/ZOYfYW0nb8ABpD9NfuAQUHuK8geSpH87wCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09181.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Our next photo stop was at the William Moore Memorial bridge built over a fault-line. However, the pile of construction materials prevented our driver from stopping. (We stopped again upon our return and had a better view of the gorge and the Sawtooth Mountains).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><h3>Yukon Suspension Bridge.&nbsp;</h3>Our last stop was at the Yukon Suspension Bridge in BC, Canada.&nbsp; While the rest of the group went to the coffee shop and gift shop, I ran to take pictures of the suspension bridge before the crowd. After taking pictures, I just took in the beautiful expansive landscape.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8t1DTwd6V8/WzhZ6tjtaxI/AAAAAAAALLE/k1t4UCUpc0wqcjZjYQfHHy7hKYCO8bRwwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8t1DTwd6V8/WzhZ6tjtaxI/AAAAAAAALLE/k1t4UCUpc0wqcjZjYQfHHy7hKYCO8bRwwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi_gaUmn2Rc/Wzhk7TMccaI/AAAAAAAALL0/70JvjYWxQR4luoQkHXXdBN6FCWbI2iqHACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi_gaUmn2Rc/Wzhk7TMccaI/AAAAAAAALL0/70JvjYWxQR4luoQkHXXdBN6FCWbI2iqHACLcBGAs/s640/DSC09145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We then headed back to Skagway with the opportunity to take more pictures on the way back.<br />Our guide continued to narrate the history, describing the living conditions the prospectors encountered in their trek to Canada. It was hard listening to the sordid story while looking at the beautiful landscape.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6un4ZhvTBc/WzheY1L5u8I/AAAAAAAALLc/gQSUUKTKM78OI6MetZbPZe2YTwu1fQjKgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6un4ZhvTBc/WzheY1L5u8I/AAAAAAAALLc/gQSUUKTKM78OI6MetZbPZe2YTwu1fQjKgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09214.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avalanche Terrain with waterfalls</td></tr></tbody></table>We heard tales about the early pioneers like Molly Welsh, who arrive in Skagway in 1897 and quickly became popular both as a waitress (courted by the two men at the same time) and for her participation in the humanitarian activities of the Union Church. Her work with the church did not fare well with the Skagway gangster Jefferson “Soapy” Smith. She feared retaliation and moved up the White Pass Trail to a point near the North West Mounted Police post at Log Cabin, where she erected a grub tent. Sadly, her story did not end there. She was murdered by her husband. The other suitor was really in love with Molly that he built a statue and named a park in her honor.<br /><br />Our guide encouraged us to visit the Molly Welsh statue in the park in Skagway, and the cemetery where Soapy Smith was buried. We stopped at the Liar’s village for salmon bake before returning to Skagway.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwz85nfWgT4/WzhS0Fn63XI/AAAAAAAALKM/RXswOMLLW78xzPyQOdwrlWa2k7U4sHeSQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwz85nfWgT4/WzhS0Fn63XI/AAAAAAAALKM/RXswOMLLW78xzPyQOdwrlWa2k7U4sHeSQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09244.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I was impressed by our guide’s knowledge of the whole place. He even treated us to a poem by Robert Service, “The Cremation of Sam McGee”.<br /><br />Our guide dropped us off downtown so we could walk through the historic downtown streets and see the statue of Molly Welsh and visit the Gold Rush Cemetery where the infamous outlaw, Soapy Smith, was buried. However, the rain picked up again. We ended up taking shelter from one souvenir store and jewelry store one after another and returned to the ship with big holes in our pockets.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VshpIHp6ioM/WzhSKubtlvI/AAAAAAAALKE/g1_zdNQWEu8FyjGip8Jiw3dA5OR_DLm1QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VshpIHp6ioM/WzhSKubtlvI/AAAAAAAALKE/g1_zdNQWEu8FyjGip8Jiw3dA5OR_DLm1QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3>NOTE:</h3><div>All photos by the author</div><br />Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-34281348519917184542018-07-04T12:50:00.000-07:002018-07-04T12:50:46.121-07:00Alaska: Port of Call Juneau<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif;">Juneau</span></h2>It was raining when we arrived in Juneau. After breakfast, the fog began to rise revealing the mountains. I could see a red cable car ascending toward the mountain towering above from the ship's panoramic window. As soon as we got off the ship, I realized that the cable car station called Mount Roberts Tramway was just a few steps from the pier. It was considered one of steepest (the most vertical) tramways in the world.<br /><br />Juneau is a popular tourist destination. I found so many stalls at the pier offering different types of tours including the most popular tour to the Mendenhall Glacier. Of course, we pre-booked this tour from the cruise ship.<br /><br />We hopped onto the bus to travel twelve miles north along one of Juneau’s two major roads with the bay side on one side of the road and the fog-covered mountains on the other side. Our destination was the base of the Mendenhall Glacier. Our driver would point to an eagle on top of the streetlight, and a few more in the open fields along the way, but of course they’re hard to capture especially from the moving bus.<br /><br />It was overcast and misty all morning but the rain let up when we arrived at the Tongass National Forest. Our driver recommended that we do the hike up (2 miles roundtrip) to the Nugget Falls to get to the glacier in a fairly close-up and personal way. However, the threatening clouds made everybody rush to do their own thing before the rain. I immediately started taking photos from the tour bus dropped-off area while my sisters headed to the Visitor/Discovery Center.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EQEQu28jro/WzgVf-me81I/AAAAAAAALII/zDCT91XtoAkT2674YdsfSWxQEdMy9mxAgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EQEQu28jro/WzgVf-me81I/AAAAAAAALII/zDCT91XtoAkT2674YdsfSWxQEdMy9mxAgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZY_MdyJlyQ/WzgX_XYXn-I/AAAAAAAALIo/KjGh7bx_MzUgoAsaWZAsNy7VFyHlyfnTQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZY_MdyJlyQ/WzgX_XYXn-I/AAAAAAAALIo/KjGh7bx_MzUgoAsaWZAsNy7VFyHlyfnTQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I thought I was left behind so that after taking photos, I took the Nugget Falls Trail (the longer route, according to the sign) towards the waterfalls, passing through lush and old trees and various wild berry plants, creeks and mossy rocks that I was tempted to stop and take photos. The hike ended at a pebbly and sandy beach area and to the foot of the Nugget Falls, up-close to the glacier.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hhGvf92ugY/WzgXcODleII/AAAAAAAALIg/e3ZNT9U1o5gGJltMasyb2xvq_e9wK_jJQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hhGvf92ugY/WzgXcODleII/AAAAAAAALIg/e3ZNT9U1o5gGJltMasyb2xvq_e9wK_jJQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJRxHaXnSyE/WzhbYzBEExI/AAAAAAAALLQ/RFM43tZAtwc8ziXRrrMp5BhXRnc_aeg7gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJRxHaXnSyE/WzhbYzBEExI/AAAAAAAALLQ/RFM43tZAtwc8ziXRrrMp5BhXRnc_aeg7gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08976.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I did not find my sisters when I arrived in Nugget Falls, I thought they took the other path down to the lake’s edge. I found out that they were also taking pictures along the way. It was incredible to get that close to the glacier.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp33B362dF8/Wzgc1ZDQHgI/AAAAAAAALJM/eVJE3csJ1YwfzC-b1Qa3OwxbJjkjY1CewCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC09020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp33B362dF8/Wzgc1ZDQHgI/AAAAAAAALJM/eVJE3csJ1YwfzC-b1Qa3OwxbJjkjY1CewCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC09020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;"><i>Information from the Visitor Center:&nbsp; Mendenhall is a glacier in retreat. Mendenhall Lake is a modern day lake created by a large amount of moraine pushed down while the glacier has been retreating rather quickly (1.7 miles) since 1958.&nbsp; With global warming, it is expected to retreat further.</i></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRByh7Ivc_M/WzgWqWp49OI/AAAAAAAALIU/U8gSao3Hkh8vmi40GOrUGVJhNAlZYKtjACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC08986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FRByh7Ivc_M/WzgWqWp49OI/AAAAAAAALIU/U8gSao3Hkh8vmi40GOrUGVJhNAlZYKtjACEwYBhgL/s640/DSC08986.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">The edge of the glacier looks very dirty although the ice itself has a lovely blue tinge. The dirt is&nbsp;made up of earth and rocks carved out from the mountainsides by the moving glacier<br /></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6CC7jytLdF8/WzgaqKnvINI/AAAAAAAALJA/npPQadgg14E72RN7c3MdDX3tp-6IKFiGQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC09004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;times&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;"><i>Calving happens when a chunk of ice breaks off the face of a glacier. This chunk of ice now floats in the lake.</i></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was fascinating to see a glacier surrounded by rainforest. We were also warned to watch out for bears.&nbsp; By the way, eating is now allowed at the National Forest. I did not see any bear but saw a&nbsp; porcupine up on the tree.<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f9LCBlnV2EY/WzgU2EOLTXI/AAAAAAAALIA/sAyZxlA8qCE0sInivBr9Zxx3pMcE4IWpACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC09016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f9LCBlnV2EY/WzgU2EOLTXI/AAAAAAAALIA/sAyZxlA8qCE0sInivBr9Zxx3pMcE4IWpACLcBGAs/s640/DSC09016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div></div>Earlier that day, we went for a city tour and scenic drive to Douglas Island. We stopped at a scenic overlook which offered a panoramic view of Mount Roberts, the town of Juneau, the harbor and the cruise ships.<br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4iOfTOUTbek/WzgyMMbpk3I/AAAAAAAALJs/pLHlYGtkY-IaLlqezWyPasBUTjyKFUVWQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4iOfTOUTbek/WzgyMMbpk3I/AAAAAAAALJs/pLHlYGtkY-IaLlqezWyPasBUTjyKFUVWQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08918.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The rest of the group took time taking selfies with our cruise ship in the background. Since I was not really into taking pictures of the ship, I started heading back up to the bus when a bald eagle flew just above me. It was kinda cool because I always thought of eagles as endangered species. To my pleasant surprise, they were plentiful in Juneau.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrHxEGdxkHY/WzgxmiqfboI/AAAAAAAALJk/5lQf8wTnXUcehWOX-iMO69c0DzI7hos1wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrHxEGdxkHY/WzgxmiqfboI/AAAAAAAALJk/5lQf8wTnXUcehWOX-iMO69c0DzI7hos1wCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">The edge of the glacier looks very dirty although the ice itself has a lovely blue tinge. The dirt is</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">made up of earth and rocks carved out from the mountainsides by the moving glacier</span><br /><h2>NOTE:</h2>All photos by the author<br /><br /></div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-89944896878636570182018-07-03T10:07:00.001-07:002018-07-03T17:59:46.069-07:00Alaska: Port of Call Ketchikan<br /><h2>Ketchikan</h2>I just had time to muse about my wonderful experience exploring the Inside Passage and some parts of the Tongass National Park while on a cruise to Alaska with my sisters. Our first port of call was Ketchikan, a very small town famous for three things: rain, salmon, and totem poles. So, most of the shore excursions involve rainforest, fish and totem poles. The weather forecast on our arrival was rain, but for a city dubbed as the “rain capital of Alaska”, it was beautiful and sunny when we arrived. The arch sign “the Salmon Capital of the World” greeted us as soon as we got off the ship. I gathered from the sign that Ketchikan was a small enough to explore on our own because only small towns would build or put out signs as tourist attractions to draw crowds. We could have explored the whole town on our own in no time, but we already pre-booked a walking tour. We arrived a couple of hours before the scheduled tour, so we walked around to check the shops out (mostly souvenir shops) and sat down for coffee. Later, I took a scenic stroll not far from the pier while my sister waited for the group.<br /><br />Ketchikan has the world’s largest collection of totem poles. The Mooning Eagle Totem Pole was the first stop on our walking tour, where our guide talked about the history and first inhabitants of Ketchikan. He introduced himself as part of the Tlingit tribe, part of the sub-group Eagle (the other group is called Raven). The word totem means ‘kinship group’ and totems are emblems of tribes or groups of people such as a family or clan. Animal totems or emblems, also reflect the lineage of a tribe, reminding them of their ancestry or their mythical past.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2ms6CJkAKE/Wzfoc49rqfI/AAAAAAAALHA/boZax7IT9S85r2PfZT5lJGi9p4HocdlgQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2ms6CJkAKE/Wzfoc49rqfI/AAAAAAAALHA/boZax7IT9S85r2PfZT5lJGi9p4HocdlgQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Next, we stopped at the Chief Kyan totem pole in Whale Park, where our guide offered more insight into the clan. Our guide explained that the Chief Kyan totem pole is a good example of a lineage pole, where the tracing of descent, whether for inheritance or title, is through the female line. The totem pole has three figures: The Crane at the top, represents Chief Kyan’s wife, the Thunderbird, represents Chief Kyan’s wife’s clan, and the Bear at the bottom, represents Chief Kyan’s family crest. He added that the image of Chief Kyan totem pole can be found in the pages of the US passport.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCamZgeVJXc/WzfpYnVRD2I/AAAAAAAALHM/e8MgZzC20N0PPRHK_fiUEtACORMu2gyVQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCamZgeVJXc/WzfpYnVRD2I/AAAAAAAALHM/e8MgZzC20N0PPRHK_fiUEtACORMu2gyVQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Ketchikan is named after Ketchikan Creek, which flows through the city. It comes from the Tlingit name for the creek, Kitsch-hin, that served as a summer fish camp for the Tlingit natives. Much of the Ketchikan colorful history (pun intended) was centered around the red-light district known as Creek Street. The once infamous area, where numerous brothel houses operated in the middle of the 20th century, is now the most famous tourist attraction. The most popular buildings are the Dolly’s House, which is now a museum and the Star, the biggest building in the area.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxKOsOpbWD0/Wzfsxd2T18I/AAAAAAAALHk/Os56-oUZYvEWAcMGKRyxVAgMS2c7JUnCQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxKOsOpbWD0/Wzfsxd2T18I/AAAAAAAALHk/Os56-oUZYvEWAcMGKRyxVAgMS2c7JUnCQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08838.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I did not pay much attention to our guide’s historical narration about the place because I was busy taking pictures. The colorful buildings, supported by wooden stilts, along the creek were a part of the gorgeous scenery and very photogenic to me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9qRf7ttckE/WzfqgJ1tg4I/AAAAAAAALHY/eedcsa11jHoptwATPYtGTaKEKXzD6SnWACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9qRf7ttckE/WzfqgJ1tg4I/AAAAAAAALHY/eedcsa11jHoptwATPYtGTaKEKXzD6SnWACLcBGAs/s640/DSC08848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We strolled along the Married Man's Way, a trail used by patrons of the brothels to escape raids, that continued up the hills above the creek.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-EahbvrAwA/WzftfANiCsI/AAAAAAAALHs/-KlYoZzK5i4174SiYfS8HybUpuXZOsi_QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-EahbvrAwA/WzftfANiCsI/AAAAAAAALHs/-KlYoZzK5i4174SiYfS8HybUpuXZOsi_QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Of course, it was hard to ignore the many souvenir shops along the way. After browsing through the arts &amp; crafts and souvenir shops, we crossed the tiny bridge and ended at the Tongass Historical Museum. We did not spend time in the museum, but enjoyed the atmosphere outside, by the creek looking for salmon. I did not see any live fish, I was happy just watching the rushing and swirling waters and breathing the fresh air before returning to the ship.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGENRYcgtqU/WzfuIQPWKGI/AAAAAAAALH0/z6y3uzuEjZM2d33_vrmrgzfaOvKcIsStQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGENRYcgtqU/WzfuIQPWKGI/AAAAAAAALH0/z6y3uzuEjZM2d33_vrmrgzfaOvKcIsStQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08877.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='340' height='286' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy2R_tVoEc1f1tIYagYFVOLb3dafAd9afH8yQVlRiDvo3xH2qO4UxwzT6Wvoi4TD33waisFX5ksdi6fLq-J' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' /></div><br /><h3>NOTE:</h3><div>All photos by the author</div><br />Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-35091723765550802632018-06-30T19:47:00.000-07:002018-06-30T20:30:27.521-07:00Myanmar, Burma<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><h2><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Myanmar, Burma</span></h2></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnCW5wJbH64/WzhKhI-M6wI/AAAAAAAALJ4/FIpbEETnw48rzdIsx2JBgqHOXJcMpjWpACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnCW5wJbH64/WzhKhI-M6wI/AAAAAAAALJ4/FIpbEETnw48rzdIsx2JBgqHOXJcMpjWpACLcBGAs/s640/DSC07355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When entering a place</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">that has two names</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">one must watch the streets</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">where we place our feet</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">as both traveler and</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">citizen of the globe</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">a world of extremes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">gilt domes of temple worship</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">bordering the tents of cities</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">meant to be impermanent but never</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">seem to disappear</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">how the hills are in our hands</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">how the displaced are gems</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">among the treasures</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">and that everything is precious</span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnEt0pdVjlw/Wy7gGZD1H5I/AAAAAAAALGc/aow1wjp06qUgeigYVnn0m6RaGmO9PQDFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnEt0pdVjlw/Wy7gGZD1H5I/AAAAAAAALGc/aow1wjp06qUgeigYVnn0m6RaGmO9PQDFgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1410.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />NOTE:<br /><br />1. Photos by the author<br />2. I decided to publish this poem after watching the "Families Belong Together" rallies across the country.<br /><br />Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-40420803438432589052018-06-22T19:40:00.000-07:002018-07-31T21:25:25.929-07:00Bangkok, Thailand<div class="MsoNormal"><br />I spent my fair share of time in the northern part of Thailand, volunteering at the elephant farm five years ago. I really enjoyed my stay with a local family and learned about their culture and where I began to understand why Thailand is called 'The Land of Smiles'.&nbsp; For some reason, I never had a strong desire to visit Bangkok, probably because big cities are off-putting to me. It’s only now that I realized how much of a missed opportunity this had been and glad to include it in my epic Southeast Asia travel this year. I began my trip to Bangkok with the knowledge I learned from volunteering in the northern part of Thailand where I felt safe.<br /><br />Right after landing at <i>Suvanabhumi</i> airport and going through customs, I went straight to a transportation booth to ask where I could find a cab to my hotel. Instead of pointing me to the cab waiting area, I was led to believe that I was in the right place. A man pointed me to the clerk at the counter who started preparing a receipt for 1600 Baht and asked me for the hotel address and my credit card. Unbeknownst to me, it was a limousine service, but not the limousine as we know it in the US. To make a long story short, I was literally taken for a ride. I paid 1600 Baht (equivalent to $55.00) for a cab ride that normally cost 300 Baht. Welcome to the big city! I thought.<br /><br />It was a long ride through miles and miles of elevated highway lined with huge advertising billboards before reaching the hotel. I could not help but notice the similarity of billboard advertising I saw in Manila (the last city I visited in Southeast Asia) where half-Caucasian-half-Asian looking models promote some sort of skin-whitening products. Modern skyscrapers spread throughout the city. After getting off the elevated highway and driving through the street level, I was once again reminded of Manila: there were buses, private cars, and tuk-tuks sharing the same lane, drivers weaving in and out, crossing the line into oncoming traffic. Pedestrians putting their hand up to the oncoming car to cross a busy street.<br /><br />As I walked into my hotel room, I was greeted by the sunset over the Chao Phraya river. It was quite nice. I sat to absorb the view. Even though there were high-rise buildings spread out along the river, it was still relaxing to see the sunset.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dson2dPc1N4/Wy0ndKFrAPI/AAAAAAAALA0/foKjwOla6oA0Yp9nQ3k_sC9Ea5pSUlYCACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dson2dPc1N4/Wy0ndKFrAPI/AAAAAAAALA0/foKjwOla6oA0Yp9nQ3k_sC9Ea5pSUlYCACLcBGAs/s640/DSC06668.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The following day, I met up with my fellow travelers to Myanmar for a sightseeing tour of Bangkok. We visited Chinatown, the Indian district, and the old city.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTzhxYAgTlQ/Wy2xc3CQ1iI/AAAAAAAALEI/lfksiUzvyU0iohhIJyis_5UsB0QmWxgXgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTzhxYAgTlQ/Wy2xc3CQ1iI/AAAAAAAALEI/lfksiUzvyU0iohhIJyis_5UsB0QmWxgXgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We walked around the flower market, but the highlight of the day was a visit to <b>Wat Pho</b>, home to the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand and the world’s largest reclining Buddha. It’s also considered the earliest center for public education in Thailand, and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage which is still taught and practiced at the temple.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lngTOZfmg8/Wy0qN4sg63I/AAAAAAAALBg/IjeVH1hlaWI02XZro_mZq4Z7_sAYejfPQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lngTOZfmg8/Wy0qN4sg63I/AAAAAAAALBg/IjeVH1hlaWI02XZro_mZq4Z7_sAYejfPQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06808.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWn8lxHH5mM/Wy0oYElUhFI/AAAAAAAALBE/JtUOyF1jV_c745dq4RjShGy4b6k-7tgqACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWn8lxHH5mM/Wy0oYElUhFI/AAAAAAAALBE/JtUOyF1jV_c745dq4RjShGy4b6k-7tgqACLcBGAs/s640/DSC06764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jx8g5SWnMCg/Wy0pHzIKQGI/AAAAAAAALBQ/O5wJwTG7kesDt4fZ_CzK2af5UxzdfxELwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jx8g5SWnMCg/Wy0pHzIKQGI/AAAAAAAALBQ/O5wJwTG7kesDt4fZ_CzK2af5UxzdfxELwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06824.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Later, I left the group to venture out on my own and to take pictures. I went to Wat Benchamabophit, a temple made out of marble imported from Italy. A couple from our Myanmar group was also there with the same goal of photographing the magnificent architectural building. However, the place was so crowded that it was hard to take photos without the people. JF was happy to share some photographing techniques with me, but sadly, there was a large tent on the temple ground that ruined the view of the beautiful temple design.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9CGOcgMh-M/Wy6JY2CmmAI/AAAAAAAALFE/ghqn8PmUYbEUVD9gYsDAb17Zq6AOQpkggCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9CGOcgMh-M/Wy6JY2CmmAI/AAAAAAAALFE/ghqn8PmUYbEUVD9gYsDAb17Zq6AOQpkggCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06899.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0yJD_p3huM/Wy0vzPlWZ7I/AAAAAAAALCQ/yAtKwZKQKNISzy-XI-I0JyZw91Jd1X1FACEwYBhgL/s1600/27D90A05-B744-4CB8-8B5E-19A8057C962F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0yJD_p3huM/Wy0vzPlWZ7I/AAAAAAAALCQ/yAtKwZKQKNISzy-XI-I0JyZw91Jd1X1FACEwYBhgL/s640/27D90A05-B744-4CB8-8B5E-19A8057C962F.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvBGi0hIocs/Wy0r0vDu8JI/AAAAAAAALB0/ULBAkApiCrMuhjRza7A1BBtUq_z5d-bBACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC06864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvBGi0hIocs/Wy0r0vDu8JI/AAAAAAAALB0/ULBAkApiCrMuhjRza7A1BBtUq_z5d-bBACEwYBhgL/s640/DSC06864.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Buddha, named Phra Buddhajinaraja and cast in 1920 has a blue background that is illuminated&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><h3>Bangkok, Sticky Rice and Mango Again.</h3>After the trip to Myanmar, I returned to Bangkok and stayed in the same hotel by the riverbank. It was two blocks away from Asiatique Riverside, a modern open-air mall and a traditional night market combined. When I first arrived in Bangkok, I only ate at the recommended restaurant and it did not even offer sticky-rice and mango, but I ordered it anyway. I noticed the waiter went to a street vendor to fill my order.<br /><br />I figured that I would not be experiencing Bangkok if I did not try the food scene. So, upon my return to Bangkok, I made it a point to explore the night market and try the street food. First, I went to 7-11 (my go-to store for water and fried rice when I was in Chiang Mai) to stock up on water. It was interesting to see street vendors selling sunglasses, bags, phone accessories, fruits and vegetables, and food vendors boiling chicken stock, frying bananas, and grilling seafood in their food carts along the way. I did not understand why vendors compete for a small space on the pavement when Asiatique, the big mall, was just a few blocks away. I was set on the idea of having street food for dinner but seeing a drop of murky water (probably from the air conditioning unit or the gutter) fell onto the grilled prawns ruined my appetite. Plus, the smell of spices and garlic mingled with exhaust from the tuk-tuks was not exactly appetizing.<br /><br />I continued to walk to Asiatique to have a look. There, I found plenty of eating places – chain restaurants, Japanese restaurants, pastry places, juice and smoothies and everything that I could find from the malls of America – entertainment venues, designer brand anything, clothes, bags, wallets, watches, cosmetics, arts and crafts – plus produce, houseplants, young coconuts, fresh fruits for smoothies, massage parlors with live fish, donuts and giant prawns, etc. I ran into two people who traveled with me in Myanmar and we ended up having dinner together at a crowded seafood restaurant. We ordered grilled giants river prawns, soft-shell crabs that burst with intense flavor, and of course my favorite sticky rice and mango for dessert. I managed to get trapped in Asiatique. I went back the following day to buy a new suitcase, not because I bought a lot of stuff, but I left my other suitcase in Manila.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8NmAkUXGTI/Wy1A0psKGvI/AAAAAAAALDo/AwI2NwVyR7sGUjTuj0XHS8bXY3Cpd-oUgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8NmAkUXGTI/Wy1A0psKGvI/AAAAAAAALDo/AwI2NwVyR7sGUjTuj0XHS8bXY3Cpd-oUgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2170.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The next day was dedicated to temple hopping and photography: The Golden Buddha, the Royal Palace, and Wat Arun. I took a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to explore Bangkok’s famous attractions. I headed across the river to visit the Royal Palace. I figured since it was the beginning of the monsoon season that there would be no crowd. I was wrong. The crowd was overwhelming, it was hard to take pictures without the people. I could not take pictures of the Jade Buddha anyway. So I gave up on taking pictures, but pushed my way through the crowd and endured the heat and humidity to admire the towering temples and sculptures, intricate carvings upon every surface and bejeweled everything. The Grand Palace was one of the most beautiful and amazing architectural achievements I have ever seen.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyz8tkvPaMM/Wy00geOQ6NI/AAAAAAAALCk/BZSTGXjh9o4EYLxbGRsROEOLqXNHBPDlgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyz8tkvPaMM/Wy00geOQ6NI/AAAAAAAALCk/BZSTGXjh9o4EYLxbGRsROEOLqXNHBPDlgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08497.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rod7jvYxSmc/Wy3AZRH5bDI/AAAAAAAALEU/AZCFSkjMr88mkzd_S-_wbEvaJ20nCNQRQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rod7jvYxSmc/Wy3AZRH5bDI/AAAAAAAALEU/AZCFSkjMr88mkzd_S-_wbEvaJ20nCNQRQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08540.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ2WA6fARPM/Wy7dXuaQmdI/AAAAAAAALGQ/v7VPoeOEJIozbPyEx9jS4B5E1Hb4XcQjgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ2WA6fARPM/Wy7dXuaQmdI/AAAAAAAALGQ/v7VPoeOEJIozbPyEx9jS4B5E1Hb4XcQjgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bT9clY9PZ94/Wy0yVYOz_-I/AAAAAAAALCY/5JO_5GtbV3wXSgD8ROVlWHVVHS1jXg2PQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bT9clY9PZ94/Wy0yVYOz_-I/AAAAAAAALCY/5JO_5GtbV3wXSgD8ROVlWHVVHS1jXg2PQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08569.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After visiting temples, I walked around to find some good Thai food for the last time. Somehow, I got lost and ended up in a giant air-conditioned mall’s food court. I eventually found a specialty ice-cream place that offered organic and special ice-cream flavors. However, the picture of a sticky rice and mango outside the coffee shop across the ice-cream place was enticing. So, I went into the coffee shop and ordered coffee, sticky-rice and mango. I passed by a Starbucks before heading back to the boat and went in to use the Wifi.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n72s2nPbulo/Wy1BDnTmlzI/AAAAAAAALDs/3q8Pe4rMj2UJIkPIsUx0eHvPmQsDbUQ5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n72s2nPbulo/Wy1BDnTmlzI/AAAAAAAALDs/3q8Pe4rMj2UJIkPIsUx0eHvPmQsDbUQ5gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Next, I headed across the river to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). The view from Wat Arun was amazing. I would have preferred taking a picture of it at night. But it was very photogenic during the day nonetheless.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HV146tJRiII/W2E17cqNdLI/AAAAAAAALRg/rP2i4kOrNQgWK6Ue7m7__lwD7NF5rTXBACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HV146tJRiII/W2E17cqNdLI/AAAAAAAALRg/rP2i4kOrNQgWK6Ue7m7__lwD7NF5rTXBACLcBGAs/s640/DSC08481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />The boat ride back to my hotel was a perfect way to end my trip in Bangkok. It took me around for a glimpse of Bangkok’s historical past through its temples and architecture and showed me the present through its modern skyscrapers along the river – sort of a good summary of Bangkok: a modern city, yet traditional and exotic.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7mB2s3aXYY/Wy0-CoT0m-I/AAAAAAAALDE/kcI0W7oZp00Q48HuKEXYoX4j6ZRzzKdIgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7mB2s3aXYY/Wy0-CoT0m-I/AAAAAAAALDE/kcI0W7oZp00Q48HuKEXYoX4j6ZRzzKdIgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7H_obm0L2k8/Wy094sPXNNI/AAAAAAAALC8/aEOnHKmVLWQvSACXmdKF90-THY6j9iLrgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7H_obm0L2k8/Wy094sPXNNI/AAAAAAAALC8/aEOnHKmVLWQvSACXmdKF90-THY6j9iLrgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJdmira9-IM/Wy0-K-MsdWI/AAAAAAAALDQ/KHcj5MKc0_or8M7n0JLTIKzCJulCOmVGACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJdmira9-IM/Wy0-K-MsdWI/AAAAAAAALDQ/KHcj5MKc0_or8M7n0JLTIKzCJulCOmVGACLcBGAs/s640/DSC06676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><h3>NOTE</h3><div>All photos by the author</div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-7675586499461970522018-06-14T12:46:00.003-07:002018-11-07T11:07:15.500-08:00Myanmar: The Road to Mandalay<br />We arrived in Mandalay by plane, but it was a long highway from the airport before seeing the “Welcome to Mandalay” sign. The drive to our hotel at the foot of the Mandalay Hill continued for at least an hour due to traffic. It seemed like a boring town at first, bustling with commerce. It was not until approaching Mandalay Hill where the images of a romantic, bygone era came into view with the Royal Palace and impressive moat.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGr1Bc8EYc4/WyK11RyJS-I/AAAAAAAAK90/cSowyGKUti8nzfnoT08mlgb6olyPrwibQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08099.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGr1Bc8EYc4/WyK11RyJS-I/AAAAAAAAK90/cSowyGKUti8nzfnoT08mlgb6olyPrwibQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08099.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The road to Mandalay leads to popular tourist destinations: Mingun to the west, Amarapura to the south and Pyin Oo Lwin to the east. Our next day was dedicated to seeing the famous temples and pagodas in Mingun.<br /><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><h3 style="text-align: left;">Mingun</h3></div>Mingun has two main attractions: the Pahtodawgyi Temple and Hsinphyumae Pagoda.<br />The Pahtodawgyi is a humungous stupa that should have become the largest stupa in the world with a height of 150 meters. Constructions of the stupa were started in 1790 by King Bodawpaya and was stopped due to the astrologer’s prediction that once the stupa was done the king would die. It is still massive in its present form.<br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8GZxgHa42A/WyIyyuKrcCI/AAAAAAAAK7A/Tb4mqmeXHvM4BXu8S4i7zij5EnDi7h9ogCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8GZxgHa42A/WyIyyuKrcCI/AAAAAAAAK7A/Tb4mqmeXHvM4BXu8S4i7zij5EnDi7h9ogCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07836.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1qoO3BasIk/WyIzKNM2xQI/AAAAAAAAK7I/o1_9Yf7AyhoZJtxMRFASV_n430e5CQ1wgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1qoO3BasIk/WyIzKNM2xQI/AAAAAAAAK7I/o1_9Yf7AyhoZJtxMRFASV_n430e5CQ1wgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07857.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Near the Pahtodawgyi, we saw the second largest bell in the world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzczoENPA-8/WyIzkl6FRmI/AAAAAAAAK7U/tp6e2f769u0dUv7KfIVJz1ENhJh92yZqwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzczoENPA-8/WyIzkl6FRmI/AAAAAAAAK7U/tp6e2f769u0dUv7KfIVJz1ENhJh92yZqwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07880.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Hsinphyumae Pagoda is a beautiful white pagoda, designed in the form of Buddhist mythological Mountain Meru.</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZQeeAYtYD8/WyI0Hq3gnSI/AAAAAAAAK7c/c83yPYfc-JIvnMjfFn9OaDat8JLjk333gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KZQeeAYtYD8/WyI0Hq3gnSI/AAAAAAAAK7c/c83yPYfc-JIvnMjfFn9OaDat8JLjk333gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><h3>Mandalay</h3>The clouds were getting dark after Mingun and a little later, it started to rain. The rain grew into a storm at lunchtime. Seemed to be the pattern in the last few days: beautiful morning, then dark clouds, then rain, then storm at lunchtime and the sun would come out again after lunch.<br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6vAwxVLf9Q/WyI00nXs6YI/AAAAAAAAK7k/k_Wb2Mfok641RSMGaB6gWbFIXb0rJ2eQwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6vAwxVLf9Q/WyI00nXs6YI/AAAAAAAAK7k/k_Wb2Mfok641RSMGaB6gWbFIXb0rJ2eQwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07922.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road leading to our hotel got flooded after a few minutes of rain.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />One of the city’s notable attractions includes Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the biggest book in the world, where Buddhist scriptures are inscribed on 729 marble white stupas.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ebiu1l0AcEc/WyI2olZvx5I/AAAAAAAAK8A/q6RLD1XPP10je4Tu70SSsXWttdh3pQdBQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC07993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ebiu1l0AcEc/WyI2olZvx5I/AAAAAAAAK8A/q6RLD1XPP10je4Tu70SSsXWttdh3pQdBQCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC07993.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bamr_U88SaQ/WyI47XKflLI/AAAAAAAAK8U/Qj7tynrYPswFIhZGRzG0RRrcr9jMPcFaQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bamr_U88SaQ/WyI47XKflLI/AAAAAAAAK8U/Qj7tynrYPswFIhZGRzG0RRrcr9jMPcFaQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07979.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cgABG95MWk/WyLA8mItKZI/AAAAAAAAK-c/xAgrH__6wesBLhhhE81drlgk4XtGQKOVwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cgABG95MWk/WyLA8mItKZI/AAAAAAAAK-c/xAgrH__6wesBLhhhE81drlgk4XtGQKOVwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07994.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>One particularly beautiful legacy of King Mindon is the all-teak pavilion he lived in just before his death. The Golden Palace (Shwe Kyaung). The kings' reign is considered by many to be a golden age of Myanmar culture.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5bwVKg0hGQ/WyI1QuB25KI/AAAAAAAAK7s/2oYdgjvemzAZfoQw9GPQx5LCN_XUc2qxwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5bwVKg0hGQ/WyI1QuB25KI/AAAAAAAAK7s/2oYdgjvemzAZfoQw9GPQx5LCN_XUc2qxwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07925.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6oK2yLD4Mc/WyI2CMOj2jI/AAAAAAAAK74/B4fkDeYGa785rc0j-d7Cq7Y3XcQNKPBUgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6oK2yLD4Mc/WyI2CMOj2jI/AAAAAAAAK74/B4fkDeYGa785rc0j-d7Cq7Y3XcQNKPBUgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei8cOVGD_cY/WyLJlyWCwlI/AAAAAAAAK-0/ZZ51pwB_ciIqoNB0J7uryNBjK_XkUcjpgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei8cOVGD_cY/WyLJlyWCwlI/AAAAAAAAK-0/ZZ51pwB_ciIqoNB0J7uryNBjK_XkUcjpgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Architecture that blends with nature</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><b>Mandalay Hill</b>.&nbsp; I would have preferred to walk up the hill to catch the sunset, but our guide did not encourage us to do the 45-min to an hour walk. Instead, we took the mini-bus/jeep. It was a very exciting ride nonetheless. There are a few steps from parking lot to the viewing platform. Mandalay Hill offers a great view of the town.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXKTkjMq0wg/WyK4DDUmXMI/AAAAAAAAK-E/W6Pnt5VJ2HI2YDeJy64KcnwSYFBWRtKVQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXKTkjMq0wg/WyK4DDUmXMI/AAAAAAAAK-E/W6Pnt5VJ2HI2YDeJy64KcnwSYFBWRtKVQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vi-QXbIBH80/WyLIJ6m497I/AAAAAAAAK-o/6Seit2tgHH0vUp71l8UcLR6RBaK5asGcQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vi-QXbIBH80/WyLIJ6m497I/AAAAAAAAK-o/6Seit2tgHH0vUp71l8UcLR6RBaK5asGcQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3>Pyin Oo Lwin</h3>Originally the summer capital for the British to escape the heat in lower Burma, today, Pyin Oo Lwin is famous for the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens. I would have preferred more wild and native plants like orchids, but the colonial influence is not only visible today in buildings and wide streets, but the garden design.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HiAuOfKT98/WyI6gOdzjCI/AAAAAAAAK8s/b3ilMHvMJE8rQQv6JJARPlCSd7Jpgl5EQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7HiAuOfKT98/WyI6gOdzjCI/AAAAAAAAK8s/b3ilMHvMJE8rQQv6JJARPlCSd7Jpgl5EQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unOgZlasJ4U/WyI7iwxns_I/AAAAAAAAK84/pzWdrU-H-UgwUeO_P7omioWVMLaWquuMACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unOgZlasJ4U/WyI7iwxns_I/AAAAAAAAK84/pzWdrU-H-UgwUeO_P7omioWVMLaWquuMACLcBGAs/s640/DSC08259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6i3RhRE5q4/WyI7pKssGaI/AAAAAAAAK88/M2ee5D3V8sQZ9TE06iTjtg69aSOgvtfdACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6i3RhRE5q4/WyI7pKssGaI/AAAAAAAAK88/M2ee5D3V8sQZ9TE06iTjtg69aSOgvtfdACLcBGAs/s640/DSC08249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vb-bv6NetwQ/WyI8LFed2LI/AAAAAAAAK9E/4DPyJgKAWJE6O9DK5k9mskR6sUwobks9QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vb-bv6NetwQ/WyI8LFed2LI/AAAAAAAAK9E/4DPyJgKAWJE6O9DK5k9mskR6sUwobks9QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08275.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The novice monks on an excursion to Pyin Oo Lwin</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3>Amarapura</h3>On our last day in Mandalay, we traveled South to Amarapura, the royal capital in the 18th century. Today, it is home to Mahagandayon Monastery, where a thousand monks study the Buddhist teachings. We watched a thousand monks line-up for their lunch procession to collect their only meal of the day.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XBOb3H7YLdY/WyI9c3y5PbI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/VHt7IMbS8CEDw-NnaLbCXZ1VFT1krJBCgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XBOb3H7YLdY/WyI9c3y5PbI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/VHt7IMbS8CEDw-NnaLbCXZ1VFT1krJBCgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />The beautiful U Bein Bridge is&nbsp;a long picturesque wooden construction that crosses the Taung Thaman Lake. It’s impossible to take pictures of the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world without the people because it’s very popular, especially at sunset.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Yltqd0ndgY/WyI-T8l-xUI/AAAAAAAAK9c/gjnU7EEWqzM6K-JYMNjHKqh-wUjqdI-EwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Yltqd0ndgY/WyI-T8l-xUI/AAAAAAAAK9c/gjnU7EEWqzM6K-JYMNjHKqh-wUjqdI-EwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08411.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">U Bein Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJlaTlk8Z4M/WyK60wKwm7I/AAAAAAAAK-Q/eDZSlTVPkXsI6vAih3sFvkIYoI4-EiPowCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC08415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJlaTlk8Z4M/WyK60wKwm7I/AAAAAAAAK-Q/eDZSlTVPkXsI6vAih3sFvkIYoI4-EiPowCLcBGAs/s640/DSC08415.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taung Thaman Lake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were driving through the city to catch the ferry from the banks of the Ayeyarwady River to Mingun when our guide spotted a wedding at a temple hall. Our guide encouraged us to crash the wedding. It was totally random, but a good way to observe the local custom.&nbsp; I was surprised at how polite the locals were. They offered us, the wedding crashers, seats at the table and to partake some food. They even invited us to take pictures with the bride and groom.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05Cha8YbVXo/WyIyD9l1SpI/AAAAAAAAK6w/fld5LNktBG06gNb3z1F8S3PvSGPs2XT9ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05Cha8YbVXo/WyIyD9l1SpI/AAAAAAAAK6w/fld5LNktBG06gNb3z1F8S3PvSGPs2XT9ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC07815.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">The scenery from the banks of the Ayerwaddy River in total contrast to the gilded temples</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>NOTE:</b></h3><div style="text-align: left;">All photos by the author</div></div></div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-46854035593574050292018-06-06T02:40:00.000-07:002018-11-07T10:58:37.518-08:00Myanmar: In the Land of the Longyi<div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">In the Land of the Longyi</span></h2></div><div></div><div>Based on the number of gilded temples and Buddha images I saw from Yangon to Pindaya Caves, it was easy to discern the obvious: Buddhism is the major religion in Myanmar. However, our guide kept saying that Buddhism is not a religion but a way of life. So I started to reflect on this statement. From the onset, I asked our guide if there's a topic that's off limits. He said nothing is off limits except for taking pictures of people in uniform, the military. I suppose the things that really left an impact on me are the people and culture. I could not comment on what was happening in another part of the country, but the locals that we had contact with were happy to share their moments with the camera. So, I'd like to share even a tiny fraction of the country's narrative like men wearing skirts called longyi and men, women, children and babies wearing a yellow paste called <i>thanaka</i> on the faces to protect their skin from the sun, and the traditional way of making a living or making things where everything is made by hand. <br /></div><div>On the way to Inle Lake, we stopped and visited a family-run paper umbrella workshop. The lady pictured below showed us the first process in the papermaking by pounding the mulberry bark that was already boiled and soaked in water overnight. The soft pulp was rubbed into a small bowl of water and poured into a rectangular frame, spread evenly and decorated with leaves and bougainvillea petals, let it settle for a couple of minutes before putting under the sun to dry. Her uncle showed us that everything is completely made by hand from the bamboo handle to the pawl.<br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lkp_cL7EDk/WxiTqseU6gI/AAAAAAAAK3I/QLVsAuaS4mAmmZziN6k1Ai9xeKwAWcgygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lkp_cL7EDk/WxiTqseU6gI/AAAAAAAAK3I/QLVsAuaS4mAmmZziN6k1Ai9xeKwAWcgygCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1677.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was so gracious to pose for me when I told her that I wanted to replicate the pose featured in a travel magazine</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gp8yOu4Q0Rw/WxiTykzYyOI/AAAAAAAAK3M/uGRu3xtznagLncmaUQAPMFOQsjY_kFbPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1180" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gp8yOu4Q0Rw/WxiTykzYyOI/AAAAAAAAK3M/uGRu3xtznagLncmaUQAPMFOQsjY_kFbPACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1680.JPG" width="472" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><h2>Inle Lake</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I</span> had unfounded expectations of Inle Lake. I did not expect any big hotels around the lake, but the hotel we stayed in was literally built on the water’s edge. We boarded the traditional long-tail boat from there to explore Inle Lake. Our motorized boat passed through a field of hyacinth before seeing the main show: the fishermen unique style of fishing where they row with one-leg while using their hands to put their catch in the basket. <span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcynolwBj18/Wxeb8LnB73I/AAAAAAAAKz8/fb8z6pJmKSITfv8yCSXH5FkxFhgOeMGkgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcynolwBj18/Wxeb8LnB73I/AAAAAAAAKz8/fb8z6pJmKSITfv8yCSXH5FkxFhgOeMGkgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />Intha fishermen row with one leg as they toss their nets into the lake to get the catch of the day, or waiting for tourists to take their picture.<span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbUhy14Wjcw/WxwkwuV_uDI/AAAAAAAAK50/OkELVBy38_EtOog--JqTik19tZrM8TXsgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbUhy14Wjcw/WxwkwuV_uDI/AAAAAAAAK50/OkELVBy38_EtOog--JqTik19tZrM8TXsgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">A man pulling water hyacinths</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5rbeReBE-s/WxiXhRLx1bI/AAAAAAAAK3o/TSBDIJri0sQG7eS7NWhnLhXtFokZsIOcgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5rbeReBE-s/WxiXhRLx1bI/AAAAAAAAK3o/TSBDIJri0sQG7eS7NWhnLhXtFokZsIOcgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07742.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><br />A man filling his boat with soil for planting.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnusftpcxb0/WxjrjjoziaI/AAAAAAAAK44/NMpo29cNT4s5BQRo-NuZ4WEfK9_AwydwACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnusftpcxb0/WxjrjjoziaI/AAAAAAAAK44/NMpo29cNT4s5BQRo-NuZ4WEfK9_AwydwACLcBGAs/s640/DSC07739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span>There are interesting sites in and around the lake like the villages on stilt, the jumping cat monastery, and a cooking school with a cat sanctuary, and the floating gardens<span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGonA6NzjNw/WxjtQpNC3vI/AAAAAAAAK5E/RgoaXfdCQKU-COegOp7S-w7Yx4nDI5GJwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGonA6NzjNw/WxjtQpNC3vI/AAAAAAAAK5E/RgoaXfdCQKU-COegOp7S-w7Yx4nDI5GJwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07780.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our traditional long-tail boat took us to the waterways of a stilt house community in the lake. Here we witnessed everyday moments of life, women laying out fish to dry and kids joyfully fetching water.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gWfJ7NrmK8/WxjuRoIhf1I/AAAAAAAAK5Q/FvJxKpQAHxgaAD00GRtZysrleO_AQ7_vACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gWfJ7NrmK8/WxjuRoIhf1I/AAAAAAAAK5Q/FvJxKpQAHxgaAD00GRtZysrleO_AQ7_vACLcBGAs/s640/DSC07753.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, our picturesque tour was punctuated by plenty of retail opportunities. We stopped at a silk factory/workshop where we watched a woman twists and breaks a lotus stem to extract sap and then rubbed it into a long string to produce a very delicate silk thread. We then stepped into a world of wooden looms to see weaving demonstrations. The finished products (very expensive scarves) were available for sale at the shop.</div></div><br /><br />We visited the Jumping Cat Monastery before visiting a silversmith or a silver jewelry shop. Aside from the presence of cats, what's unique about this place is the teak wood pillars and that women are not allowed to step into the raised platform in the middle.<span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap5p2K6aIMM/WxjpqXoOJ-I/AAAAAAAAK4k/mba1DYdmNesiGVzouJS02gAR2VnedpSEACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap5p2K6aIMM/WxjpqXoOJ-I/AAAAAAAAK4k/mba1DYdmNesiGVzouJS02gAR2VnedpSEACLcBGAs/s640/DSC07789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Only men are allowed to approach the middle platform to bring offerings.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVFHPXJxv5g/Wxw50ewwDYI/AAAAAAAAK6A/tN319CzsZ0M8Iy0l-r7_YLP2tICWPtBhQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVFHPXJxv5g/Wxw50ewwDYI/AAAAAAAAK6A/tN319CzsZ0M8Iy0l-r7_YLP2tICWPtBhQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>I'm not really into buying stuff and souvenirs and skeptical about seeing locals in colorful native garb hanging out at a tourist place asking tourists to take a selfie with them or take their picture for a fee. I also heard stories about the Long Neck Ladies being exploited for tourism, but I was glad that we stopped by the Kayan-run weaving workshop to see the Long Neck Lady(s) because I think they have a fascinating story why they wear the coiled rings around their neck.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYiqPQDQX4E/WxiX_-vAXHI/AAAAAAAAK3w/XluWF-p8qx4JYPiEcweWur4cUQuqC2g5gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYiqPQDQX4E/WxiX_-vAXHI/AAAAAAAAK3w/XluWF-p8qx4JYPiEcweWur4cUQuqC2g5gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07776.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>We wove through the massive maze of floating gardens where farmers grow tomatoes, pumpkins, and other produce. We passed by boats in the narrow water canals overflowing with chives. Speaking of chives, another activity that I participated in was a cooking class at the Inle Heritage House, where we picked our own vegetables and herbs fresh from the gardens. The Inle Heritage House is more than a cooking school. It's training ground for young locals who want to work in the hospitality business. Aside from the restaurant and cafe where we ate what we cooked, the complex has a cat sanctuary. Although I'm not a cat person, it was such a treat to see real Burmese cats napping at the same time. <span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JOoWImlqE-U/WyFo5ygn4DI/AAAAAAAAK6k/Bgi3uwaEFLoNUJkismDK3awOSTWPcdMxwCLcBGAs/s1600/_JSF5300%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JOoWImlqE-U/WyFo5ygn4DI/AAAAAAAAK6k/Bgi3uwaEFLoNUJkismDK3awOSTWPcdMxwCLcBGAs/s640/_JSF5300%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">@Inle Heritage House Cooking School.&nbsp; Photo by John</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ci8JdmNE7LY" width="520"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">NOTE:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All photos and video by the author except when noted.</div></div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-12987759816181776602018-05-30T11:24:00.003-07:002018-11-07T10:54:30.021-08:00Myanmar: The Land of A Thousand Temples and Beautiful Sunsets<h2><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">The Land of A Thousand Temples and Beautiful Sunsets</span></h2><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">One of the most compelling travel photos I had seen from a page of a travel magazine was a photo of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">hot air balloons over a hundred temples, and over the hazy horizon and mist lifting from the ruins as the sun rises.&nbsp; That photo inspired me to travel to Myanmar (formerly Burma).&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">But due to the high cost of travel to Myanmar and the political unrest, my dream remained on my bucket list for a while. After debating whether it was 'responsible travel' to go despite the country's negative political news, I asked myself "If not now, then when."&nbsp; I finally decided to join nine other intrepid travelers on Discovery Tours. Although there are still places that are out of bounds for foreigners, our itinerary followed the main tourist route.&nbsp;</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">I want to share some photos of the incredible sights along the way.</span></div><div><h3><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>Yangon</b></span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Our journey began in Yangon, where we visited some museums, the Bogyoke Aung San Museum, and did a walking tour downtown to see some colonial buildings, but the highlight of Yangon was the Shwedagon Pagoda, thought to be the oldest and one of the holiest shrines and the biggest in Myanmar. I’ve been to many religious sites around the world, but I was not prepared to see what I was about to see. The Shwedagon complex was bigger than I expected. There were four entrances, but most visitors, locals, and pilgrims entered through the West Entrance that could be reached by taking an elevator.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">As we entered, I saw a colorful procession of pilgrims </span><b><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i>(</i></span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i class="">shinbyu</i></span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><i>)</i></span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"> around the massive golden pagoda, the centerpiece of the complex. The sight was a photographer’s dream and I could have taken the option of exploring on my own and take photos, but instead, I followed our guide so I could gain more insight into the place. The golden pagoda was surrounded by little temples and pagodas, plenty of bells and chimes. There was even a gallery (photos of the pagoda's intricate details like the bell-shaped part, the turban, inverted alms-bowl, lotus petals, the banana bud and the umbrella crown).&nbsp; Later in the day, my focus shifted to photographing the whole place at sunset.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUJeoGF2a6E/WxjSb8axe9I/AAAAAAAAK4U/JJ9T04u07G8TqdygmMyohK-jUxX--2iCQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUJeoGF2a6E/WxjSb8axe9I/AAAAAAAAK4U/JJ9T04u07G8TqdygmMyohK-jUxX--2iCQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPrN3zGkY4o/WxjSMTbtJlI/AAAAAAAAK4Q/A5bfxwT76ykbM2q3VBVwXxBj7G7SWDqJQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPrN3zGkY4o/WxjSMTbtJlI/AAAAAAAAK4Q/A5bfxwT76ykbM2q3VBVwXxBj7G7SWDqJQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6_9eMw2e6Y/WxgxqUxGNOI/AAAAAAAAK1g/g2Yc4mAWWbwagbeUiooeGzEGlQwmR-2nQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6_9eMw2e6Y/WxgxqUxGNOI/AAAAAAAAK1g/g2Yc4mAWWbwagbeUiooeGzEGlQwmR-2nQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><h3><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>Bagan</b></span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">From Yangon, we flew into Bagan, a city rich in history and a unique site in the world with 2,000 plus temples and pagodas that stretch as far as the eye can see. I didn’t mind forking out $340 - $400 to go ballooning over Bagan and take some photos, hoping to replicate the photo that inspired me to travel to Bagan. Sadly, the hot air balloon providers canceled&nbsp;all hot air ballooning activities during our stay because it was too hot and windy.&nbsp; Instead, I went up the hill to capture the sunset over Bagan.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGvX8sLeqF4/WxepI5-dOqI/AAAAAAAAK0c/QMe0ZtRAQy4rIqaBFr9xvW2Wc7ea4WlDACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGvX8sLeqF4/WxepI5-dOqI/AAAAAAAAK0c/QMe0ZtRAQy4rIqaBFr9xvW2Wc7ea4WlDACLcBGAs/s640/DSC07372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wA5bm8-cbU0/WxenGL9iUkI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/oMBo2t3O5r8q2fSgmjJHjaU2rhKsxw_FgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wA5bm8-cbU0/WxenGL9iUkI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/oMBo2t3O5r8q2fSgmjJHjaU2rhKsxw_FgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07367.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">The following day, we were scheduled to go on a sunset cruise along the Irrawaddy River. The sky was clear that morning, so I made an early start photographing the temples near our hotel. But it started to sprinkle by mid-morning. The sun came out by midday so we started visiting more temples. By late afternoon, the sky turned dark and it started to rain. I thought our guide would cancel the sunset cruise, but after the rain, we loaded up on a small river boat to catch the sunset, our boat floated on the Irrawaddy River until the sunset hour, but the sunset failed to occur. The clouds then slowly started closing in, obscuring any prospects of a sunset, so I put my big camera away. We headed back to the dockside, but upon reaching the riverside, a beautiful orange glow appeared. It was a different world from just minutes earlier. Obviously, our guide knew something I didn’t know. He said that Bagan offers some of the most beautiful sunsets in all of Southeast Asia.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWa7EA0bmy8/Wxg34wqff_I/AAAAAAAAK2M/wTzLlOAz2O0TqsPswcqTQbS_qfXZxHYfQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWa7EA0bmy8/Wxg34wqff_I/AAAAAAAAK2M/wTzLlOAz2O0TqsPswcqTQbS_qfXZxHYfQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07521.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Drd-AUkBM/WxeZEAbnkxI/AAAAAAAAKzw/__pEh2472QQRmJMewrq3yTdh_4N3Xap1QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Drd-AUkBM/WxeZEAbnkxI/AAAAAAAAKzw/__pEh2472QQRmJMewrq3yTdh_4N3Xap1QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">We visited so many temples that, to be honest, I felt templed out and got tired of taking my shoes off at some point, but I stuck to the program by visiting the last temple in our itinerary.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck-UuA3OXqM/WxeuA4SKNOI/AAAAAAAAK0o/TpuI5PHH3YsSSXKhd5iAiUNYlGpiKmDUQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck-UuA3OXqM/WxeuA4SKNOI/AAAAAAAAK0o/TpuI5PHH3YsSSXKhd5iAiUNYlGpiKmDUQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shwezigon Pagoda, the first temple we visited in Bagan</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmREhTShbMw/WxgyVNZbrDI/AAAAAAAAK1o/4bWZG58qrScEJ-YmUO6RkCuEYSuDygX3QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmREhTShbMw/WxgyVNZbrDI/AAAAAAAAK1o/4bWZG58qrScEJ-YmUO6RkCuEYSuDygX3QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07232.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ananda Pagoda, one of Bagan's most beautiful temples both inside and out</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtUMwVCWr48/WxhFJUQJU8I/AAAAAAAAK2k/CpcQp3ZkUvcDjtaeg9Xa9b64QwaTYMYcQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtUMwVCWr48/WxhFJUQJU8I/AAAAAAAAK2k/CpcQp3ZkUvcDjtaeg9Xa9b64QwaTYMYcQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07211.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the standing Buddha images inside the Ananda Phaya.<br />The expression on the face of the Kassapa image appears to change when viewed from different distances</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAS0FZ6AfzA/WxhI660D66I/AAAAAAAAK2w/_8vr81wBLGs80eVpHpFR-Jzxe7rLArHOgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAS0FZ6AfzA/WxhI660D66I/AAAAAAAAK2w/_8vr81wBLGs80eVpHpFR-Jzxe7rLArHOgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thatbyinnyu Temple, one of highest monuments in Bagan</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GsVWWADXT8/Wxg04j6P-3I/AAAAAAAAK14/FjdIkbzwMLc8Y8-BUPoK4Utvt5ewS-TOQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GsVWWADXT8/Wxg04j6P-3I/AAAAAAAAK14/FjdIkbzwMLc8Y8-BUPoK4Utvt5ewS-TOQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07466.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manuha Temple one of the oldest in Bagan contains three images of seated Buddhas and an image of Reclining Buddha said to be entering Nirvana&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oe73M10pLIY/Wxg1YVZvyJI/AAAAAAAAK2A/wJUlXys_Og0MHx7VhVH5ADXJl2NcMFtcQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oe73M10pLIY/Wxg1YVZvyJI/AAAAAAAAK2A/wJUlXys_Og0MHx7VhVH5ADXJl2NcMFtcQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M60VBcF38RM/WxijybBJ71I/AAAAAAAAK38/1HQosEypeE8SGhdtKdSc0yUe4C_uT0D0QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M60VBcF38RM/WxijybBJ71I/AAAAAAAAK38/1HQosEypeE8SGhdtKdSc0yUe4C_uT0D0QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07463.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXJkVu_-37g/Wxij7v4EbNI/AAAAAAAAK4A/azoWJxA2Y7Qnkz-p3wdUoWWgp1WEWIlRwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXJkVu_-37g/Wxij7v4EbNI/AAAAAAAAK4A/azoWJxA2Y7Qnkz-p3wdUoWWgp1WEWIlRwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07459.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the seated Buddhas at Manuha Temple</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>Pindaya</b></span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">Disappointed that I was not able to do hot air ballooning over Bagan, I tried to lower my expectations about our next destination – The Pindaya Caves. The bus ride from the Heho airport to the Pindaya caves was not that comfortable, however, the scenery looked great. We passed farmlands covered in red soil. I did not expect that the caves described by our guide were at the top of the mountain. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see the amazing views of the lake and some temples below as our bus climbed higher and higher.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOuzuA1nWZ4/WxezQhSlaOI/AAAAAAAAK00/9nW_sIyzt2UToHAFWlmUbnaa3c2qz_jPQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOuzuA1nWZ4/WxezQhSlaOI/AAAAAAAAK00/9nW_sIyzt2UToHAFWlmUbnaa3c2qz_jPQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">The caves contain more than 8,000 Buddha images.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylthGU5r0tY/Wxe0amBwpGI/AAAAAAAAK1Q/oUPsACQEET4Ghwb09Nu3TNbg6gqnl-TbQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylthGU5r0tY/Wxe0amBwpGI/AAAAAAAAK1Q/oUPsACQEET4Ghwb09Nu3TNbg6gqnl-TbQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2KiE6nUSZA/WxhB8smbVVI/AAAAAAAAK2Y/xPrs6p2AHRokf2KfmRTf2NFjQIUkVnlfwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2KiE6nUSZA/WxhB8smbVVI/AAAAAAAAK2Y/xPrs6p2AHRokf2KfmRTf2NFjQIUkVnlfwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07672.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A14xDveWMgM/WxhLLeXMOcI/AAAAAAAAK28/hOBhOoK1aiQMacmJWOWXsyVqdspyEz0YwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC07639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A14xDveWMgM/WxhLLeXMOcI/AAAAAAAAK28/hOBhOoK1aiQMacmJWOWXsyVqdspyEz0YwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC07639.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barely scratched the surface on the Buddha count</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><div><br /><h3>NOTE:</h3></div><div>1.&nbsp; All photos by the author<br />2.&nbsp; I have no material connection to any travel related providers mentioned in this blog or received compensation for writing this blog.</div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3573847650032379360.post-75469654303794915282018-04-28T16:13:00.000-07:002018-05-16T01:24:40.419-07:00Palawan: It's More Fun In the Philippines<h2>El Nido and Puerto Princessa, Palawan</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y7ge_HTx0b0" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3>The Stressor</h3>My trip to Palawan was not without its complications. The Philippines was not part of my Southeast Asia travel plans. But when I found a low fare to the Philippines, I decided to add the Philippines to my epic Southeast Asia 2018 trip. El Nido had been on my travel radar for a while. Since there's no airport in El Nido, I booked a flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa with Air Asia and a separate package tour through Asia Travel that included the transportation to El Nido and a hotel.&nbsp; I also booked a hotel in Puerto Princesa through Booking.com. I pre-paid everything that was booked through Asia Travel.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trip to El Nido from Puerto Princesa was long (6 hours), but not as bumpy as I expected.&nbsp; The road was paved, winding with lush scenery. However, the stop to get food was far in between. We arrived in El Nido tired and hungry to find our pre-paid hotel room not only ready, but the hotel was fully booked. I could tell from the look on the hotel receptionist's face that there was an issue with my booking.&nbsp; She was on the phone for a while trying to find us another accommodation.&nbsp; We then agreed to transfer to another hotel (rather a family-owned dormitory). There was also a mess up with the transport back to Puerto Princesa, but when I called Asia Travel, I was told that everything was non-refundable. Minor setback?<br /><br /><h3>El Nido - the Stress Reliever</h3>When I visited Coron five years ago, I stayed at an island resort, so I did not see a lot of tourists except for the guests at the island resort. In contrast, El Nido is touristy.&nbsp; But it’s hard not to fall in love with El Nido. Spending time exploring the jagged cliffs that jutted out of turquoise to emerald green waters and lagoons, kayaking and swimming in clear sparkling waters take the stress away. Many tour operators offer the same tour category such as Tour A - exploring different lagoons, Tour B - beach and island hopping and the combination of the two.&nbsp; We opted for the combination tour on our first day and did our&nbsp;own beach hopping the following day.&nbsp; &nbsp;We explored a few a lagoons from the small lagoon to the big lagoon, and the most popular one - the secret lagoon.&nbsp; The Secret Lagoon has a very tiny entrance and relatively murky water that comes from the sea and fresh water from the island.&nbsp; It is surrounded by towering limestone rock formations with natural carvings like the twelve apostles, eagle, crocodile, etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bHODiMe4ww/Wvqb2mhXV-I/AAAAAAAAKwI/ltSjdNs50uUS43R2J4vpXhH4HWr3ejPGwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bHODiMe4ww/Wvqb2mhXV-I/AAAAAAAAKwI/ltSjdNs50uUS43R2J4vpXhH4HWr3ejPGwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06368.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Visitors waiting their turn to go through the tiny entrance to the Secret Lagoon</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OpuDJ-toEPA/Wvqatf1UQlI/AAAAAAAAKv0/aYaKiONJIqkNAez8WcrDw8Is8a8wSYMBwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OpuDJ-toEPA/Wvqatf1UQlI/AAAAAAAAKv0/aYaKiONJIqkNAez8WcrDw8Is8a8wSYMBwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06411.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kayaking through the tiny entrance to the lagoon</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KN4vPXHhttg/WvqbatlVJ7I/AAAAAAAAKwA/3OS_1DJVBHEQE6yvcOkepI0M-crwuCjWgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KN4vPXHhttg/WvqbatlVJ7I/AAAAAAAAKwA/3OS_1DJVBHEQE6yvcOkepI0M-crwuCjWgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06430.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Exploring caves and lagoons</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGp8-YtfL_o/WvqZifqmkjI/AAAAAAAAKvg/-acCr8f4dAIvIpfWiACeh1FvrNxeCN8RACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGp8-YtfL_o/WvqZifqmkjI/AAAAAAAAKvg/-acCr8f4dAIvIpfWiACeh1FvrNxeCN8RACLcBGAs/s640/DSC06388.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: large;">Snorkeling</span><br /><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tT7PmS6EJzY/Wvqcpm4zPHI/AAAAAAAAKwU/ogtHkCBVXFA9pOhac8l1XbAxFMsLP7sAgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tT7PmS6EJzY/Wvqcpm4zPHI/AAAAAAAAKwU/ogtHkCBVXFA9pOhac8l1XbAxFMsLP7sAgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06378.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Swimming in the sparkling water</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zX-Rpm1-EKc/Wvu-hajBpZI/AAAAAAAAKwk/OBuRMqTtVroFxriR97fhy28h1ATuS3j1QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zX-Rpm1-EKc/Wvu-hajBpZI/AAAAAAAAKwk/OBuRMqTtVroFxriR97fhy28h1ATuS3j1QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06392.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shimizu Island</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0qkLqGY_1c/Wvu_fJ_dPzI/AAAAAAAAKww/bNcjewQMIHAbFedSmyUM1bIl7Tr4Re5owCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0qkLqGY_1c/Wvu_fJ_dPzI/AAAAAAAAKww/bNcjewQMIHAbFedSmyUM1bIl7Tr4Re5owCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06371.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Commando Beach</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Nacpan Beach</h3><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The following day, we hired a van to go to Nacpan Beach.&nbsp; Getting to Nacpan was quite an adventure. The one hour ride from the town of El Nido to Nacpan Beach was very bumpy.&nbsp; As soon as we arrived in Nacpan, we rented a cottage and enjoyed some beer.&nbsp; The place was secluded and very quiet.&nbsp; It was a perfect place to do nothing but enjoy the scenery - the beautiful stretch of cream-colored sand lined by swaying coconut trees and on the seaside, the view of smaller islands (someone mentioned that the bigger island of the three is owned by Manny Pacquiao). However, the different shades of the blue sea, the clear aqua waters enticed me to go swimming.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-MZ2c8fi-Y/Wvvd6Ga7ICI/AAAAAAAAKxA/d3d_gr3t0H0aD2q-8YB5QZVL2eU8raTXACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-MZ2c8fi-Y/Wvvd6Ga7ICI/AAAAAAAAKxA/d3d_gr3t0H0aD2q-8YB5QZVL2eU8raTXACLcBGAs/s640/DSC06453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3>Puerto&nbsp; Princesa Underground River (PPUR)</h3>The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited site in Palawan. So there's quite a wait to take a short boat ride to get to the entrance of the underground river and there's another wait to begin the underground river tour.&nbsp; But it's all worth the wait. After seeing it with my own eyes, now understand why it's hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. Simply amazing. I highly recommend it as a 'must see' in Palawan.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bbdOiKPUXUg/WvqXPoRBEyI/AAAAAAAAKu0/7Enqni9IaYEdAWcHTWdI1VHzE4RKXBrowCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bbdOiKPUXUg/WvqXPoRBEyI/AAAAAAAAKu0/7Enqni9IaYEdAWcHTWdI1VHzE4RKXBrowCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06568.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The entrance to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River&nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg5irxzE5ik/WvqXptGgVOI/AAAAAAAAKvA/M2_Djd_3Po8U1R_3dMMGa_6Tl_K_3uNXwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg5irxzE5ik/WvqXptGgVOI/AAAAAAAAKvA/M2_Djd_3Po8U1R_3dMMGa_6Tl_K_3uNXwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06598.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The vegetable section features stalagmites and stalactites in the form of&nbsp;garlic and other vegetables</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDdJdoDhihg/WvqYZcwX0oI/AAAAAAAAKvU/43J8sOpfnF8vwXT_cA_-r849Yw22SHGbQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDdJdoDhihg/WvqYZcwX0oI/AAAAAAAAKvU/43J8sOpfnF8vwXT_cA_-r849Yw22SHGbQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC06590.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The cathedral section features the Holy Family.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Mobile Version:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FHz1riipTK0" width="459"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">NOTE:&nbsp; All photos and videos by the author.</div></div></div>Alice Odenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10382855907381737065noreply@blogger.com0